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Explore clear, research-informed definitions of key concepts connecting nutrition, mental health, behavior, and psychological well-being.
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Nutritional psychology examines how dietary patterns, nutrients, food-related behaviors, and psychological factors interact with mental health and well-being. Launched by the Center for Nutritional Psychology in 2024, the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology defines the terms, mechanisms, processes, and research areas shaping this growing field.
Created for students, educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and curious readers, the ENP includes hundreds of clear, research-informed entries. Content is written and regularly updated by contributors across relevant scientific disciplines, with new entries and major revisions reviewed by the CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board before publication.
The encyclopedia helps readers understand terminology and foundational concepts. For deeper exploration of the studies behind those concepts, visit the Nutritional Psychology Research Library .
Select a term to read its definition and supporting context.
Craving is a strong desire to consume a specific food or drink, often influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Frequent cravings may be linked to eating behaviors, emotional regulation, and mental health.
A cue is a trigger or signal that initiates a habit. It's a prompt that tells your brain to go into automatic mode and decide which habit to use.
CPF refers to the phenomenon where exposure to food-related cues (like sights or smells) triggers eating even when the individual is not physically hungry. This behavior arises through associative learning,…
According to Geert Hofsted, culture is the the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from others.
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place through electronic devices and online platforms. It involves the use of technology, such as social media, to harass, threaten, or intimidate…
Cytokine storm is a medical condition in which a person's immune system becomes hyperactive and releases cytokines uncontrolled, leading to multiple organ failures and death. Ex: COVID-19
Cytokines are small signaling molecules of soluble glycoproteins released by immune cells and various other cells. They regulate immune response, support cell-to-cell communication and coordination, and trigger the migration of…
Cytotoxic T-cells are a type of T-cell that directly attacks and destroys infected or abnormal cells. They play a crucial role in the immune system's defense against viruses and certain…
The Default Mode Network (DMN) refers to a network of brain regions that are typically active when an individual is at rest or not focused on the external environment. These…
Delirium is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by an acute change in mental status associated with changes in attention, consciousness, and cognitive performance (Flaherty, 2007).
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