Ms Emily Brindal is a doctoral student using the theory of social influence to explore what factors increase the consumption of fast foods.
Current activities
Ms Brindal has designed and developed an online survey to explore the social aspects of fast food behaviour including the circumstances surrounding the consumption of different types of fast food.
Fast food is all around us.
Most of us eat it and everyone has an opinion about how it affects health.
But virtually nothing is known about where fast food consumption fits in ‘everyday’ living.
It is important to understand social and environmental factors relevant to fast food consumption because they influence eating behaviours.
Some researchers have argued that because we are constantly surrounded by food, we no longer eat purely because we are hungry and eat more often for social and environmental reasons.
For example, we may eat to spend time with others or because we are influenced by marketing.
This is why it is crucial to explore these factors.
As part of Ms Brindal's initial survey, she developed the Fast Food Choices Program (FFCP) which is a fast food nutritional calculator.
Although nutritional information for separate items is generally available directly from the corporations, the FFCP includes the complete menus of several major fast food chains, automatically calculating combinations of items.
Using the FFCP, items across fast food chains can be compared and combined effortlessly. It is hoped that the program will make nutritional information for fast food more accessible and easier to use for consumers.
Ms Brindal’s research continues to develop as she works in collaboration with the NOBLE research team which aims to explore issues including nutrition, the environment and obesity.
She is currently developing a study to assess people’s ratings of the atmosphere of fast food restaurants.
Background
In addition to her research, Ms Brindal currently tutors at the University of Adelaide, South Australia.
Areas which she has taught in include:
Eating today is about more than hunger, social influences cannot be overlooked.
Her doctoral study is focused on fast food behaviours.
A born and bred Adelaide girl, Ms Brindal is keen to research within the local community while also continuing to teach at the state’s universities.
Academic qualifications
Ms Brindal has been awarded a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours, with the University of South Australia, Adelaide.
Ms Brindal is a candidate for a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Adelaide, based with CSIRO's Food and Nutritional Sciences.
Achievements
Ms Brindal attracted an Australian Research Council (ARC) linkage grant scholarship, within the University of Adelaide's School of Medicine.
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