Empty Pockets Full Stomachs: How Money Cues Induce People to Hoard Calories.
Abstract
Building on the security function of both money and food, we show in 5 studies that monetary cues can induce people to hoard calories as a means of securing their resources. In study 1 we test the main effect of money cues on food (caloric) preferences. In study 2 and 3 we illustrate the moderating effects of a resource manipulation (study 2) and individual differences in the security-worry meaning of money (study 3). Study 2 also reveals that calorie underestimation is mediating the effect of monetary stimuli on food preferences. Finally, in study 4, a general reward explanation is ruled out.