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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology

Attention

Evidence-informed definition Updated September 27, 2026 How to cite this entry

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Definition and context

Attention is a complex term that can refer to a general level of alertness or vigilance, a general state of arousal, orientation versus habituation to a stimuli, and the ability to focus, divide, or sustain mental effort.

Author and reviewer

Editorial responsibility
Written by Ephi Morphew-Lu
Reviewed by CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board
Evidence base

References and further reading

  1. Robinson, E., Aveyard, P., Daley, A., Jolly, K., Lewis, A., Lycett, D., & Higgs, S. (2013). Eating attentively: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of food intake memory and awareness on eating. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 97(4), 728–742. View source
  2. ohle, S., Diel, K., & Hofmann, W. (2018). Executive functions and the self-regulation of eating behavior: A review. Appetite, 124, 4–9. View source
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How to cite this entry

CNP (2026). Attention. In CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.

https://www.nutritional-psychology.org.
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