Research Shows Our Food and Money Habits as Sign of Impulsivity

Ever wondered how our brain decides on money and food? Recent German research from Bochum University relates the behaviour patterns of people based on their decision-making about food and money.

What is impulsivity?

How quick you are while doing an action without thinking of the repercussions gives your level of impulsivity. For instance, if you have a spare packet of chips, how long will it take you to eat it, will you think about whether should I eat it, whether is it too bad for your health or go for it?

Decision-making of food:

We all do it every day, the food choices that we make, irrespective of the influence of our routine or culture. So, what makes your food decision-making pattern different? According to this research, impulsive people are more likely to have a higher calorie intake with frequent eating. This can be a sign of lower self-control with more vulnerability toward addictions like that of smartphones, internet, gaming, social media, gambling and any other compulsive habits.

The decision-making of money:

As per the study, people are more interested in having a higher amount of money over a longer span of time, instead of less money immediately. More the time, the higher the reward. For instance with a span of what would you choose?

Food vs Money:

Our brain works based on the preference of reward. How is food different from money since both are rewards? Essential foods are primary rewards, that is, they fulfil our basic needs. For example, if I eat a meal, my brain senses the increased energy level as a reward. On the other hand, money is a secondary reward through which we can achieve the different aspects of primary rewards. People, irrespective of their impulsivity level, are more inclined to choose food impulsively rather than money.

This is also because money has value stability. Our brain senses it as a long-term reservoir whereas food appears to be having a low shelf life. So, we choose the first food offered without much thinking of its future consequences. The area of brain activation also varies though they have similar procedures. Money is related to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex whereas food is associated with the left temporoparietal junction.

Do I have an addictive behaviour?

Observing your food, eating and money-spending habits can help you understand better about yourself. This is because you can measure your level of impulsivity. Impulsivity is directly proportional to addictive behaviour. This has also come up as a new arena of research where therapeutic techniques can be formulated.

How to control impulsivity levels?

We can gradually reduce the level of impulsivity in our behaviour through various techniques along with therapeutic support. Mindfulness can be one of the key elements to have better emotional regulation and stability. But before regulation, an awareness about our being, that is, self-awareness should be enhanced, to first acknowledge that our triggers. Triggers can be any element in the environment that stimulates impulsivity. Recognising them is the most crucial step in this process.

Impulsivity as a characteristic of mental disorders:

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), is often common in children and young adults, where due to attention deficiency and hyperactivity, impulsivity can be evidently seen. Bipolar disorder and Borderline personality disorders, if severe, can manifest impulsivity in the functioning of day-to-day life.

Moreover, by gradually influencing our food habits, we can actually level down high impulsivity levels and have a better sense of decision-making by adequate consideration of the consequences.