When pursuing hedonic experiences leads to less hedonic outcomes: Hedonic sampling drives the persistence of false beliefs in reward-rich food environments.
Abstract
= 976), we show that individuals' food choices in reward-rich environments with many tasty foods, but not in reward-poor environments with few tasty foods, led to a consolidation of initial beliefs, even when there was no relationship between food healthiness and taste or a relationship that contradicted their beliefs in the experimental food environment. Our findings suggest that a basic hedonic sampling mechanism contributes to the persistence of food beliefs, such as the belief that unhealthy food tastes better, and should be considered when trying to change unhealthy diets. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Fields of Study & Subjects
Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods
Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Experimental Psychology Applied
- Publisher
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 506–523
- Publication date
- 23 April 2026
- Language
- EN