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Date Available
5-19-2014
Year of Publication
2014
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College
Business and Economics
Department/School/Program
Marketing and Supply Chain
Faculty
Dr. David M. Hardesty
Faculty
Dr. Steven Skinner
Faculty
Dr. Blair Kidwell
Abstract
This research examines the evolutionary eating patterns of consumers when eating with those they are in relationships with, moving beyond eating decisions made in isolation or in the presence of strangers. Across three studies, unique patterns of consumption emerge when males and females are in different stages of romantic relationships. I demonstrate that the evolutionary motives of mate acquisition and mate retention drive eating patterns for relationship partners relative to their gender. I show that females match the eating habits of males at early stages in the relationship but are more independent later in the relationship, while males match eating habits of females in later stages in the relationships but are more independent early in relationships. I discuss how evolutionary eating patterns contribute to high obesity rates, provide recommendations for avoiding unhealthy eating among couples, and shed light on common cultural beliefs about weight gain in social relationships.
Recommended Citation
Richerson, William Robert (Rob) III, "Evolutionary Motives and Consumer Food Choice in Romantic Relationships" (2014). Theses and Dissertations--Marketing and Supply Chain. 3.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/marketing_etds/3
