Are you missing that movie theater popcorn?

Day 140: One thing I learned today…

Are you missing that movie theater popcorn?

A study was conducted on habits around eating popcorn at the theaters. Prior the individuals were assesses on their preference of popcorn and if these individuals typically ate popcorn when watching a movie at the theater.

Half of the individuals got stale popcorn (one week old), the other half of the participants got fresh popcorn.

Those that do not regularly eat it, accepted the fresh popcorn and ate it however they were not interested in the stale popcorn.

Those that reported typically eating popcorn, ate 70% of the popcorn whether it was fresh or stale. Yup, that’s right, they ate that nice stale popcorn. Just simply because it was habitual (even thought they did not really like it) It is a habit.

In addition, the researchers made modifications with the study. The participants were told to eat popcorn with their non-dominant hand which increased the thought process. This then turned on “deliberate” thinking which then turned off the “habit” mode and less popcorn was consumed. Similarly, popcorn was also given within a conference room which resulted in less consumption. It is hypothesized due to habit.

Not sure about you however I never really think of buying popcorn or even making it at home when watching tv. But you best believe that if my husband makes it, I am going to cuddle up right next to him and enjoy it. I don’t think I would eat the stale popcorn though but maybe…

You can change your habits, switch things up to break the habit!

Source: David T. Neal, Wendy Wood, Mengju Wu, and David Kurlander. The Pull of the Past: When Do Habits Persist Despite Conflict With Motives? Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, August 22, 2011.

KJO Coaching/ HMCC