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Turn it down to eat more healthily: the effect of background music arousal on healthy food consumption
As health and wellness become increasingly prioritized by the public, the challenge of encouraging healthy eating habits persists. A common psychological barrier is the belief that healthy options lack flavor, particularly when health benefits are presented in a forceful manner. This research investigates the relationship between background music and food choices, proposing that lower-arousal music can lead to healthier selections.
The study draws on the concept of cross-domain mapping, suggesting that individuals exposed to calming, low-arousal music are more likely to choose nutritious foods than those listening to energizing, high-arousal music. This musical context enhances perceived comprehension, thereby making healthy food options seem more appropriate within the dining atmosphere.
The research comprised four studies: a field experiment in Study 1 and three scenario-based studies (Studies 2a, 2b, and 3). Findings from these investigations indicate that low-arousal background music not only promotes actual healthy food choices in the field but also positively influences the intention to opt for healthier fare across the scenario-based studies. Moreover, perceived comprehension was identified as the mediating factor in this relationship.
Overall, the evidence supports the notion that incorporating low-arousal background music into food-service environments is a practical and effective strategy to enhance healthful eating behaviors, thereby minimizing the need for overt health-centric messaging. [NPID: Environment, music, healthy food, food choice]
Year: 2026
