Why we believe in superfoods
Investigating attitudes, personality and message processing
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22093035 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Martin Tanis (0000-0001-9898-7250, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, corresponding author), Moniek Buijzen (0000-0003-3780-0856, Erasmus University Rotterdam) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 10 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-07 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Communication (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2297-900X • E-ISSN: 2297-900X |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fcomm.2025.1661474 |
| OpenAlex | W4415982833 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 69 |
Introduction Belief in the benefits of so-called superfoods is widespread, yet little is known about what drives these beliefs, particularly for lesser-known products like moringa. Methods Two studies investigated how individual predispositions and information processing styles shape attitudes toward moringa among consumers unfamiliar with it. Study 1 ( N = 322) used a correlational design to examine the role of superfoods attitudes, personality traits, thinking styles, and social norms. Study 2 ( N = 268) employed an experimental design to test how message processing (central vs. peripheral) moderates these relationships. Results Across both studies, a general positive attitude toward superfoods predicted higher perceived message credibility and more favorable attitudes toward moringa. These effects were especially pronounced under peripheral processing (Study 2). Intuitive thinking and subjective social norms also contributed to positive responses, while analytical thinking and food-health beliefs had weaker or unexpected effects (Study 1). Conclusion Findings suggest that belief in superfoods is shaped more by intuition, affect, and prior attitudes than by analytical evaluation. Health communication strategies should consider these psychological mechanisms when addressing public perceptions of novel health products
Big Five personality traits · Credibility · Health communication · Information processing · Perception · Personality · Persuasive communication · Social perception · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling · Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |