What is a food choice based on negative association?

Food choice based on negative association is when an individual avoids specific food items due to a negative experience or memory related to those foods. This negative association may develop due to several reasons, such as foodborne illness, choking incidents, unpleasant taste or texture, or negative social experiences associated with the food.

When someone has a negative association with a particular food, the mere thought or sight of that food can trigger feelings of discomfort, disgust, or anxiety. As a result, individuals may avoid consuming the food item or limit its consumption significantly.

For example, if someone had an unpleasant experience of choking on a specific dish, they might develop a strong negative association with that dish and avoid it altogether, even if they enjoyed it before the incident. Similarly, if someone has had a bad dining experience at a particular restaurant, they may associate the restaurant's food with the unpleasant experience and choose to dine elsewhere.

Overcoming negative food associations can be challenging but possible. Gradual exposure, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and positive experiences with the food can help individuals gradually reduce their avoidance and build a more positive relationship with the food item.