\nNext, participants were asked to perform two experiments to simulate stress. In one example, students dipped their hands in warm water and performed a basic counting task without being evaluated. In a second experiment aimed at simulating stress, students alternated between keeping their hands immersed in cold water and performing mental arithmetic tests under pressure. These students were also told that they were being recorded and received negative feedback.<\/p>\n
All students then completed a “pre-commitment” phase of the study in which they observed food pairings. In some situations, they were simply shown food combinations. Others were given the option of eliminating less healthy foods. They then performed another experiment, either a stress task or a hot water task, depending on what they had done beforehand. From there, they moved to the choice stage, where participants were asked to see pairs of foods and choose which one they wanted to eat.<\/p>\n
Overall, the researchers found that students chose palatable but unhealthy foods more often than healthy but unpalatable options. However, they also found that when participants felt stressed, they were more likely to choose less healthy but palatable foods.<\/p>\n
This association was present in viewing trials (where people simply looked at the food) but not in restriction trials (where they had the option to remove the unhealthy food).<\/p>\n
“This has important implications for interventions aimed at promoting healthier food choices, especially in stressful environments, and may particularly benefit individuals with less restrictive diets,” the researchers said in the study.<\/p>\n