The influence of approach and avoidance motor actions on food intake

Abstract

Two experiments explored the effect of arm positions of approach and avoidance on food intake. In Experiment I, arm extension, an expression of avoidance behavior, led to smaller food intake than arm flexion, an expression of approach behavior. In Experiment 2, this effect was found only for a delicious drink (i.e. orange juice), but not for a neutral drink (lukewarm water). Different theoretical accounts for explaining the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.