Pavlov's Dog & Psychological Connection to Food

In summary, we feel good when we get our hands on some food due to a combination of scientific reasons such as energy and survival, as well as psychological reasons such as the release of happiness neurotransmitters. This is also related to the concept of survival of the fittest, as a species would not be able to survive if eating and reproduction were unpleasant experiences. Ultimately, everything we feel is directly related to our survival.
  • #1
thegonz186
3
0
why do we feel good when we get our hands on some food? maybe a few scientific reasons like energy, survival, etc. but I am really wanting to know why we psycologically want food? this is in relation to the dog in Pavlov's conditioning experiments
 
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  • #2
Because it's yummy and fun! There's such an eclectic variety of stuff to eat that no matter who you are there's probably lots of things you like. The mind wants stuff that makes it happy, it must be crankin' out the hapiness neurotransmitters, maybe as part of a rewards system. Brusselsprouts and cowchip crunch could even make you happy, (if you were REALLY hungry) because survival is still the #1 mental motivation. As far as the dog, it's basically the same, but perhaps a higher percentage is driven by enjoyment (dogs are hedonistic sons of b|tches).
 
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  • #3
Relating it to evolution and survival of the fittest: Would a species be able to survive if it felt bad every time it ate? The same thing can be said with sex. A species would not reproduce if sex made it feel awful.
 
  • #4
cyfin said:
Relating it to evolution and survival of the fittest: Would a species be able to survive if it felt bad every time it ate? The same thing can be said with sex. A species would not reproduce if sex made it feel awful.

come to think of it, everything we feel is directly related to surviving..

pain = :(
eat = :)
sex = :)
painful sex = :) :( :) :(
 
  • #5
haha awesome replies! thanks
 

1. How did Pavlov's experiment with dogs and food lead to the understanding of psychological connection to food?

Pavlov's experiment involved conditioning dogs to associate the sound of a bell with the presentation of food. After repeating this process numerous times, the dogs began to salivate at the sound of the bell, even when food was not present. This showed that a stimulus (the bell) can elicit a response (salivation) that is typically associated with another stimulus (food). This concept, known as classical conditioning, has been applied to the understanding of how psychological factors, such as emotions and memories, can influence our response to food.

2. Can the psychological connection to food be changed or altered?

Yes, the psychological connection to food can be changed or altered through various methods. For example, through exposure therapy, individuals with food aversions or phobias can gradually learn to associate positive emotions with the food that previously caused them fear or disgust. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs surrounding food, leading to a more positive psychological connection.

3. How does the psychological connection to food impact our eating behaviors?

The psychological connection to food can greatly impact our eating behaviors. Our emotions, memories, and associations with food can influence our food choices, portion sizes, and eating patterns. For example, individuals who have positive memories or associations with a certain food may be more likely to consume it, even if they are not physically hungry. Similarly, negative emotions such as stress or sadness can lead to emotional eating and overconsumption of food.

4. Are there any cultural or societal factors that influence the psychological connection to food?

Yes, cultural and societal factors can play a significant role in our psychological connection to food. Different cultures may have specific beliefs or traditions surrounding food, leading to certain emotions and associations with certain foods. Additionally, societal norms and expectations, such as the pressure to conform to certain body ideals, can also impact our psychological connection to food and our eating behaviors.

5. Can individuals develop unhealthy psychological connections to food?

Yes, individuals can develop unhealthy psychological connections to food. This can manifest in various ways, such as disordered eating patterns, emotional eating, or food addictions. Unhealthy psychological connections to food can also lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes, such as nutrient deficiencies, weight gain, and low self-esteem. It is important for individuals to be aware of their psychological connection to food and seek help if it becomes problematic.

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