Information Package / Course Catalogue
Physichology of Nutrition
Course Code: BD502
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to teach the psychological foundations of eating behaviors, individual and environmental factors affecting eating behaviors, behavior change theories, and psychological approaches used in nutrition counseling; and to enable students to acquire scientific knowledge and practical skills for developing and maintaining healthy eating behaviors.

Course Content

This course covers the fundamental concepts of nutrition psychology and the psychological, biological, social, and environmental factors affecting eating behaviors. Within the scope of the course, eating behavior patterns such as hunger-satiety mechanisms, emotional eating, restrictive eating, and binge eating are discussed. In addition, the effects of body image, stress, mood disorders, and lifestyle on eating behaviors are examined. The course aims to enable students to develop the ability to analyze individuals’ eating behaviors and design appropriate intervention strategies within the nutrition counseling process.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the psychological, biological, social, and environmental factors involved in the development of eating behaviors.
2.Evaluates the relationship between eating behaviors and mood, stress, body image, and quality of life.
3.Analyzes eating behaviors such as emotional eating, binge eating, and restrictive eating based on scientific evidence.
4.Plans appropriate strategies to help individuals develop healthy eating habits by using behavior change theories.
5.Applies effective communication, motivation enhancement, and behavior change techniques in the nutrition counseling process.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Nutrition and behavior: a multidisciplinary approach J. Worobey, B. J. Tepper, R. B. Kanarek, K. E. D'Anci
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to the course, introduction to nutrition psychology, basic concepts
Week 2 - Theoretical
Biological foundations of eating behavior: hunger and satiety mechanisms
Week 3 - Theoretical
Psychological factors and eating behavior (emotion, stress, motivation)
Week 4 - Theoretical
Effects of social and environmental factors on eating behavior
Week 5 - Theoretical
Relationship between body image, self-perception, and eating behavior
Week 6 - Theoretical
Introduction to disordered eating behaviors: emotional eating and restrictive eating
Week 7 - Intermediate Exam
Cognitive processes and eating behavior + MIDTERM EXAM+Midterm exam evaluation, question analysis and feedback
Week 8 - Theoretical
Binge eating behavior and its clinical implications
Week 9 - Theoretical
Effects of stress, anxiety, and depression on eating behavior
Week 10 - Theoretical
Formation and modification of eating habits
Week 11 - Theoretical
Psychological approaches and communication techniques in nutrition counseling
Week 12 - Theoretical
Motivation and behavior change processes
Week 13 - Theoretical
Current research and case studies in nutrition psychology
Week 14 - Final Exam
General review and preparation for final exam
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Assignment1%1
Quiz1%1
Midterm Examination1%38
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)