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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,…
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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.
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.
Psychological Disinhibition
An inability to stop oneself from overeating in response to environmental and other cues is associated with obesity and high weight gain (Dao, 2019).
Psychological Functioning and Mental Health (PFMH)
A term used within Nutritional Psychology denotes the continuum of psychological functioning (subclinical effects) to mental health (clinical effects).
Psychological Mechanisms
Psychological mechanisms encompass the various processes and functions related to the mind and behavior. This broad term includes cognitive processes, emotional responses, motivations, perceptions, and other mental functions that shape…
Psychological Mechanisms (DMHR)
Psychological mechanisms in the context of the DMHR (Diet-mental health relationship) involve cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes that influence how dietary habits affect mental health. These mechanisms include thought patterns,…
Psychological Resilience
Psychological resilience refers to an individual's ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, trauma, or stress. It involves mental toughness, emotional strength, and the capacity to maintain a stable…
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It involves exploring and understanding various aspects of our cognition, emotion, perception, personality, and social interaction.
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a field of study that investigates the interactions and communication between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. It explores how psychological factors, such as stress, emotions, and…
Psychonutrition
Psychonutrition studies how nutrition impacts psychological well-being and cognitive function, aiming to use dietary interventions to improve mental health.
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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
