Positive Versus Negative Affect Asymmetry and Comfort Food Consumption

Positive versus Negative Affect Asymmetry and Comfort Food Consumption. In this paper we demonstrate that factors tied to affect asymmetry predict the emotional triggers of comfort food consumption. A web-based survey was conducted to assess the emotional antecedents and consequences of comfort food consumption across genders, age and cultural groups, and food categories. Positive affect was a powerful trigger for men, older and French-speaking participants. Women, younger and English-speaking participants reported more intense negative emotions prior to consuming their favorite comfort food. Foods high in sugar and fat were more efficient in alleviating negative affects whereas other types of food increased positive emotions