Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy

Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy
Open Access

ISSN: 2161-0487

+44 1478 350008

How Do Different Types of Food Affect Positive Mood in the Workplace?


International Conference on Positive Psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

June 13-14, 2016 Philadelphia, USA

Christina Riachi

King�s College London, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother

Abstract :

The importance of studying the effect of different types of food on positive mood, especially at work, has become greatly needed over recent years; this is in great part due to the link between positive mood and different types of organisational spontaneity (giving help to other colleagues, keeping an eye on the organisation�s safety, making valuable propositions, developing one�s own performance, and fostering goodwill). The present study addressed this need, by investigating whether consuming carb-based foods, protein-based foods, fat-based foods, and not consuming any food had different effects on the mood of working individuals. On the basis of the growing body of research, it was hypothesized that individuals who eat foods high in carbs will have a better mood than those who eat foods high in protein and those who do not consume any food. Due to the discrepancies in the literature findings, it was hypothesised that fats will have an effect on mood; however the direction of this relationship was yet to be assessed. 218 participants completed a food diary sheet, at midday. Results showed that employees who didn�t have any food had a better overall mood than those who had carbs and those who had proteins. Those who had carbs reported better mood than those who had protein. Finally, participants who had fats reported better mood than those who had proteins, controlling for the effects of caffeine and fatigue on mood. There were no significant differences between no-food group and fat-based food group, and between carb-based food and fat-based food on employees� mood. In conclusion, no food resulted in the best mood, followed by fat-based foods and carb-based foods, with proteinbased foods resulting in the worst reported mood.

Biography :

Christina Riachi is in the final stages of completing her Ph.D. (scholarship). She is one of the youngest and most dedicated Ph.D. students (started at the age of 21). She has completed a BA in “Psychology” (distinction) from the American University of Beirut and an MSc in “Organizational Psychology and Psychiatry” (distinction, first in class, A+ on research) from King’s College London. She holds more than 12 certifications/accreditations in psychology and HR from the UK and USA. Her name was mentioned 5 times on the Dean’s Honors List, and she has published a number of articles.

Email: tinariachi@gmail.com

Top