PIT describes how conditioned cues (learned through Pavlovian associations) influence decision-making and motivation in goal-directed actions. In the context of eating, a food-related cue (e.g., a logo or sound) can increase the likelihood of choosing or working for that food, even if it’s not currently needed or desired.
Author and reviewer
Editorial responsibilityHow to cite this entry
The Center for Nutritional Psychology. (2025). Pavlovian-Instrumental Transfer (PIT). In Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.
https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/encyclopedia/pavlovian-instrumental-transfer-pit/Know a term that belongs in the Encyclopedia?
Share a nutritional psychology term with the CNP editorial team for consideration. Relevant submissions may be reviewed for future development and publication in the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology.
