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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.

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W

Trait Food Craving

The interindividual differences in the frequency and intensity of food cravings experienced by an individual (Richard et al., 2017).

Transcellular Diffusion

Transcellular diffusion transports ions, sugar molecules, vitamins, and minerals through epithelial cells' apical (top) and basolateral (bottom) surfaces via transporter proteins. Nutrient absorption in the GIT is an example of…

Transtheoretical approach

An approach that combines similar elements from different theories to create a model that integrates them.

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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