Variation in human masticatory behavior under temporal constraints

Recorded the consummatory behavior of 20 18-20 yr. old students asked to eat peanuts or carrots (a) at their normal rate, and (b) under constraints to hurry. It was found that Ss decreased their meal time when under temporal constraints by reducing the number of masticatory strokes, chewing faster, and making fewer and shorter pauses between bursts of chewing. The average forcefulness of each chewing stroke was greater when Ss were under constraints to hurry. These data are contrasted with previous studies examining consummatory behavior of food-deprived humans. It is suggested that the manner in which humans alter their consummatory behavior may depend upon the motivation for doing so and the type of foodstuff consumed. (23 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).