You and your friends have agreed to exercise and lose weight together. You are hosting a get together with these friends to celebrate a birthday. Based on information presented in your text on self-discrepancy theory, what could you do if you wanted to discourage overindulgence in high calorie foods?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to self-discrepancy theory, individuals are motivated to reduce the discrepancy between their actual self and their ideal self. If the guests' ideal self includes being healthy and fit, placing high calorie foods in front of a mirror may increase their awareness of the discrepancy between their actual self (indulging in unhealthy food) and their ideal self (being healthy and fit), leading them to make healthier choices. By contrast, placing the food in the living room or kitchen may make it more accessible and increase the likelihood of overindulgence. Serving all the food at one time may also lead to overindulgence as guests may feel pressure to try everything before it's gone.

You and Your Friends Have Agreed to Exercise and Lose