Navigation
Mood
Mood can be defined as a temporary state of mind or feeling. It is also defined as a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion. In Nutritional Psychology, mood refers…
Evidence-informed learning resource
Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology
Explore clear, research-informed definitions of key concepts connecting nutrition, mental health, behavior, and psychological well-being.
- Alphabetical browsing
- Plain-language definitions
- Reviewed by CNP contributors
Find a topic
Browse nutritional psychology terms
Search for a term or use the alphabetical navigation to explore the encyclopedia.
Search by term, condition, nutrient, behavior, or psychological concept.
About the ENP
A trusted guide to nutritional psychology terminology
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 .
Encyclopedia entries
Select a term to read its definition and supporting context.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders (also called affective disorders) are a category of psychiatric conditions characterized by marked, sustained disruptions in emotional state — either severe lows (depression) or highs (hypomania or mania)…
Mucosal immunity
A branch of the immune system dedicated to defending the body’s mucosal surfaces, such as those in the gut, respiratory tract, and reproductive tract, against pathogens while maintaining tolerance to…
Myelin
Myelin is a protective, fatty substance that wraps around and insulates nerve fibers, also known as axons, in the nervous system. This insulation, resembling a sheath or coating, plays a…
Myelination
Myelination is the process by which myelin, a fatty substance, forms a protective sheath around nerve fibers (axons). This process enhances the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission in…
Natural Killer (NK) Cells
Natural killer (NK) cells are white blood cells that are crucial components of the innate immune system. They are known for their ability to recognize and destroy infected or abnormal…
Negative Dietary Intake Effects (NDIEs)
Factors influenced by dietary intake that are associated with unhealthy psychological functioning include fatigue, depressive feelings and thoughts, stress, distress, nervousness, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and increased hedonic vs.…
Negative Valence
Negative valence refers to the unpleasant emotional quality or aversive nature of stimuli, experiences, or mental states that typically evoke avoidance behaviors or negative feelings such as fear, sadness, disgust,…
Nervous System
The nervous system, comprising the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), is a complex network of nerves and cells transmitting signals between different body parts. It…
Neural Plasticity
Neural plasticity, or neuroplasticity, is the brain’s ability to adapt to environmental changes by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections (Pickersgill et al., 2022).
Continue learning
Explore CNP courses
Go beyond definitions
Explore CNP courses and programs designed to deepen your understanding of the relationship between nutrition and mental health.
Academic oversight
Editorial Board
Meet the editors and subject specialists supporting the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology.
Executive and Associate Editors
Co-Principal Editors
Ephi Morphew-Lu
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Shereen Behairy
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Associate Editors
Nabila Pervaiz
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Technical Support
Tahir Yasin
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Subject Editors
Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Child Psychology
Dr. Vishruti Patel, PsyD
Clinical Psychology
Psychology
Dr. Vladimir Hedrih, PhD
University of Niš, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology
Nutritional Immunology
Dr. Emilia Vassiloupoulou, PhD, BSc
Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece and Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Eileen Santana RD, CDN
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
