The effect of neophobia and neophilia levels on quality of life in the context of neurogastronomy

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of attitudes towards novel foods (food neophobia and neophilia) on quality of life from a neurogastronomy perspective. The study is based on quantitative method and Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) and WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Scale were used to collect data. The sample of the study consisted of university students (n=532) with various demographic characteristics. The findings showed that the level of openness to new foods (food neophilia) had a significantly positive effect on quality of life. In contrast, the tendency to avoid novel foods (food neophobia) was not found to have a significant negative effect on quality of life. When analyzed in terms of demographic variables, significant differences were observed in some variables such as gender, place of residence, education level, employment status, income status, number of siblings, alcohol and cigarette use, while no significant differences were observed in others. This study is one of the first to evaluate the relationship between individuals' dietary behaviors and their perceptions of quality of life within the framework of neurogastronomy discipline. The results of the study reveal that open or avoidant attitudes towards novel foods may affect not only dietary diversity but also life satisfaction and psychosocial well-being. It shows that individuals' open or distant attitudes towards new foods may have an impact on quality of life.