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Power of Food Scale
The "Power of Food Scale" (PFS) is a psychological assessment tool developed to measure the influence of food availability and its perceived power over an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors…
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Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology
Explore clear, research-informed definitions of key concepts connecting nutrition, mental health, behavior, and psychological well-being.
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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.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible dietary compounds that selectively promote the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms, particularly bacteria, within the gastrointestinal tract. They thereby influence host health through microbial modulation.
Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex is the front part of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, reasoning, and social behavior. In the context of the diet-mental health relationship,…
Prefrontal Cortex/Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex is the section of the brain’s frontal lobe considered to be the “conductor” or “executive” of the brain. It mediates higher-order cortical processes. The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex…
Pro-oxidant Substances
These substances increase oxidative stress in the body by promoting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Examples include certain foods (processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats), environmental toxins, and…
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms, often bacteria, that, when administered in adequate quantities, confer beneficial effects on the host's health by modulating the composition and function of the gut microbiota.
Protein
Proteins are essential macronutrients composed of amino acids. They are vital in building and repairing tissues, enzymes, hormones, and immune function.
Proteomics
Proteomics is a branch of biology that studies proteins' function, expression, and degradation within living organisms (Graves & Haystead, 2002).
Psychiatry
Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the causation, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and behavioral disorders. Psychiatry addresses conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders,…
Psychobiotics
Psychobiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that, upon consumption, provide mental health benefits by influencing the gut-brain connection through the modulation of the gut microbiota.
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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
