The asymmetrical effects of emotional loneliness vs. social loneliness on consumers' food preferences

Loneliness, or perceived isolation, has been shown to engender unhealthy food consumption and obesity. In this research, we present loneliness as a multi-faceted phenomenon, comprised of social loneliness (stemming from deprivation of a broad social network or group membership) and emotional loneliness (stemming from lack of an intimate emotional attachment). Across four experiments conducted in online and lab settings, we find that different types of loneliness have asymmetrical effects on individuals' food attitudes and actual consumption, mediated by self-regulation. The research has significant implications to public health, consumer well-being, and social campaigns

Automated summary

Loneliness, whether from social deprivation or lack of emotional attachment, has been shown to lead to unhealthy food consumption and obesity. Different types of loneliness have asymmetrical effects on individuals' food attitudes and actual consumption, mediated by self-regulation. This research has significant implications for public health, consumer well-being, and social campaigns.