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Transtheoretical approach
An approach that combines similar elements from different theories to create a model that integrates them.
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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.
Ultra-Processed Food Addiction (UPFA)
Ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA) is a proposed clinical presentation in which repeated intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — industrial formulations high in refined carbohydrates and added fats, largely corresponding to…
Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods are industrially formulated food products made using multiple ingredients, additives, and processing techniques. They often contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, sodium, and refined ingredients, and may influence eating behavior, metabolic health, and mental well-being.
Unhealthy Eating Behaviors
Unhealthy eating behaviors are patterns of eating driven by psychological factors, such as stress, emotional distress, or distorted body image, rather than physiological hunger. These behaviors may include emotional eating,…
Urban Living
Urban living pertains to residing in cities or densely populated areas. It involves various aspects of daily life, including housing, transportation, employment, recreation, and social interactions. Urban living presents both…
Urban Stress
Urban stress refers to the heightened psychological and emotional pressure experienced by individuals living in urban environments. Factors contributing to urban stress include congestion, noise, pollution, and the fast-paced lifestyle…
Urbanization
Urbanization is the process through which an increasing proportion of a population resides in urban areas, resulting in the growth and expansion of cities and towns. This typically involves the…
Vagotomy
A surgical procedure involves removing all or a part of the vagus nerve that innervates the stomach, interrupting the nerve's signal transmission (Rabben et al., 2016).
Vagus nerve
The vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve, one of the longest and most complex. It originates in the brainstem and travels to the neck, thorax, and abdomen, connecting the…
Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)
The VTA is a dopamine-producing region located in the midbrain. It plays a central role in the brain's reward system by projecting to areas such as the nucleus accumbens, prefrontal…
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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
