Date of Award

January 2020

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Marney White

Abstract

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to determine the influence of craving on food selection.

Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 95 viable participants completed the food craving inventory

(FCI), a restaurant meal selection questionnaire, and various demographic questions. Linear regression

modeling was used to analyze the relationship between FCI craving score and various forms of caloric intake.

Logistic regression models were utilized to analyze the relationship between “high-craving” status and food

selection.

Results: No significant findings resulted from modelling the relationship between craving category FCI scores

and craved caloric intake using Pearson’s coefficient. Likewise, no significant relationships were observed

between craving category FCI scores and total caloric intake. Various significant relationships resulted from

modelling the relationship between “high-craver” status and food selection. “High-craver” status for CARB

and SWEET were significant predictors of choosing a high-fat meal. “High-craver” status for FFF was found

to be a significant predictor of choosing a high-FFF meal. “High-craver” status for FFF and SWEET were

significant predictors for choosing a high-carb meal.

Discussion: While no significant associations were observed using linear regression to model the relationship

between FCI score and caloric intake, these insignificant relationships may not hold true when more robust

dietary measures for food selection are utilized and a larger sample size is polled. A number of significant

relationships were elucidated using logistic regression to assess the relationship between “high-craver” status

and food selection. Some of these relationships were positive and others inverse; however, important ideas

concerning craving and food choice can be garnered from each of these.

Conclusion: There are a number of limitations associated with this study; however, despite these limitations,

this study provides an important base for the relationship between the magnitude of an individual’s craving

score and food selection. With more robust studies centering around the same topic matter, it is possible that

more concrete relationships between craving and food selection can be illuminated.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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