When and how do explicit measures of food craving predict implicit food evaluation? A moderated mediation model

Research findings about relationships between trait-like eating behaviors and implicit food evaluations have been inconsistent. This may be partially attributed to the state-dependent nature of implicit food evaluations. In the current studies, relationships between trait and state chocolate craving, current hunger, and implicit evaluation of chocolate were examined. In study 1 (n = 64; 70% females), neither trait nor state chocolate craving were directly associated with implicit evaluation of chocolate. However, higher state chocolate craving was associated with more positive implicit evaluation of chocolate when current hunger was high. A moderated mediation model revealed an indirect effect of trait chocolate craving on implicit evaluation of chocolate via state chocolate craving only in hungry participants. This moderated mediation model was replicated in a sample of female individuals (n = 66; study 2) and in a sample of children and adolescents (n = 146; 47% females; study 3). Results support previous reports in that implicit food evaluations are influenced by state-dependent variables such as current craving and hunger. Moreover, implicit food evaluations are influenced by trait-like eating behaviors as well, inasmuch as these give rise to states of high motivational needs.