Yoon-Na Cho

Bio: Yoon-Na Cho is an academic researcher from Villanova University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Product (category theory) & Affective events theory. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 23 publications receiving 625 citations. Previous affiliations of Yoon-Na Cho include Hongik University & University of Arkansas.

Mindfulness: Its Transformative Potential for Consumer, Societal, and Environmental Well-Being

Abstract: The authors propose that mindfulness is an antidote to mindless consumption, which adversely affects individual and collective well-being. The concept of mindfulness is explained and applied to the consumption context. More specifically, the authors examine mindful consumption as an ongoing practice of bringing attention, with acceptance, to inner and outer stimuli, and the effects of this practice on the consumption process. The transformative potential of mindful consumption is reviewed across domains of consumer, societal, and environmental well-being, with suggestions for future research. The article highlights some of the challenges to realizing the transformative potential of mindful consumption and concludes with suggestions for the actions that consumers, institutions, and policy makers could take to promote mindful consumption.

Different Shades of Green Consciousness: The Interplay of Sustainability Labeling and Environmental Impact on Product Evaluations

Abstract: The sustainability labeling on the front of a package featured in a print advertisement may influence consumers’ product evaluations and purchase decisions. The findings of this exploratory study suggest that consumers seem to evaluate the sustainability claim more favorably if the advertisement highlights the personal impact on them. Moreover, environmental involvement appears to further moderate the effects of sustainability claims and environmental impact framing. The interactions that emerged in this study suggest that sustainability labeling effects constitute a complex phenomenon that warrants future research.

Weighing in on fast food consumption: the effects of meal and calorie disclosures on consumer fast food evaluations

Abstract: An analysis of consumers' Weblogs and two experiments address: (1) the differences in evaluations of menu items when consumers are versus are not provided with meal calorie information, and (2) their perception of calorie levels of different types of meals. Consumers provided their calorie estimates for specific meals offered by four different fast food restaurants, and an experiment assessed effects on consumer evaluations for calorie disclosures for actual items from two of these restaurants. Results show the complex relationship between consumer perceptions regarding the restaurants, the meals and the food items that can influence consumers' calorie estimates and evaluations of meals in restaurants. ********** Given the extensive health-related risks associated with being overweight or obese, a multifaceted approach to reduce their increasing prevalence has been suggested (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2009). Although policymakers and consumer advocates have addressed this critical health issue from a number of different perspectives, the relationship between rising obesity rates and the increased level of away-from-home food consumption has generated a particularly high level of interest. In the last 30 years, the percentage of money spent on food purchases outside the home has risen to 25% and now accounts for nearly one-half of Americans' total yearly food expenditures (ERS/USDA 2009; NRA 2009). Consumers now spend almost $600 billion annually at fast food and table-service restaurants (NRA 2009). The fast food industry, in particular, has been frequently criticized for contributing to the national obesity problem by selling foods high in calories, saturated fat and sodium, often in relatively large portions (Bates et al. 2009; Binkley 2006; Wansink and Chandon 2006). A documentary film, "Super Size Me" by Morgan Spurlock, was nominated for an Academy Award and brought considerable national attention to the public about the relationship between fast food choices and increases in bodyweight and diet-related health problems. In addition, significant relationships have been found between the frequency of fast food restaurant visits and increases in bodyweight and insulin resistance, the two primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes (Pereira et al. 2005). Although the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) required standardized nutrition labels on most packaged food products, food prepared for immediate consumption has been exempt from this legislation. (However, the NLEA has required that relevant calorie and nutrient information be made available when a nutritional claim is made for a menu item.) Recent calorie disclosure mandates for restaurant chains have been passed or implemented in New York City, Seattle, Philadelphia, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon and California. More importantly, the US health care reform legislation signed into law on March 23, 2010, will require calorie labeling on menus, menu boards and drive through windows for all restaurant chains with twenty or more outlets nationally. The Food and Drug administration was given 1 year from the date of signing of the legislation to propose specific guidelines for the national labeling of restaurant items. A key presumption of these legislative initiatives is that a change in nutrition information on menus in restaurants will be associated with changes in consumer choice at the point-of-purchase. Specifically, increasing consumer awareness of the calorie levels of the less healthful food items, which are typically underestimated, may result in more accurate product evaluations and, in turn, healthier choices. Although there have been a myriad of recent studies examining the potential effects of labeling using different methodologies and outcome variables (Bassett Mary et al. 2008; Burton et al. 2006; Chandon and Wansink 2007a, 2007b; Elbel et al. 2009; Harnack et al. 2008, Hassan, Shiu, and Michaelidou 2010), results have been mixed. …

How to SHIFT Consumer Behaviors to be More Sustainable: A Literature Review and Guiding Framework:

Abstract: Highlighting the important role of marketing in encouraging sustainable consumption, the current research presents a review of the academic literature from marketing and behavioral science that exa...

Organizational Commitment, Job Satisfaction and Turnover Among Psychiatric Technicians. Technical Report No. 16.

Abstract: Abstract : A study is reported of the variations in organizational commitment and job satisfaction, as related to subsequent turnover in a sample of recently-employed psychiatric technician trainees. A longitudinal study was made across a 10 1/2 month period, with attitude measures collected at four points in time. For this sample, job satisfaction measures appeared better able to differentiate future stayers from leavers in the earliest phase of the study. With the passage of time, organizational commitment measures proved to be a better predictor of turnover, and job satisfaction failed to predict turnover. The findings are discussed in the light of other related studies, and possible explanations are examined. (Modified author abstract)

Does food marketing need to make us fat? a review and solutions

Abstract: Food marketing is often singled out as the leading cause of the obesity epidemic. The present review examines current food marketing practices to determine how exactly they may be influencing food intake, and how food marketers could meet their business objectives while helping people eat healthier. Particular attention is paid to the insights provided by recently published studies in the areas of marketing and consumer research, and those insights are integrated with findings from studies in nutrition and related disciplines. The review begins with an examination of the multiple ways in which 1) food pricing strategies and 2) marketing communication (including branding and food claims) bias food consumption. It then describes the effects of newer and less conspicuous marketing actions, focusing on 3) packaging (including the effects of package design and package-based claims) and 4) the eating environment (including the availability, salience, and convenience of food). Throughout, this review underscores the promising opportunities that food manufacturers and retailers have to make profitable “win-win” adjustments to help consumers eat better.

A 2-Phase Labeling and Choice Architecture Intervention to Improve Healthy Food and Beverage Choices

Abstract: Objectives. We assessed whether a 2-phase labeling and choice architecture intervention would increase sales of healthy food and beverages in a large hospital cafeteria.Methods. Phase 1 was a 3-month color-coded labeling intervention (red = unhealthy, yellow = less healthy, green = healthy). Phase 2 added a 3-month choice architecture intervention that increased the visibility and convenience of some green items. We compared relative changes in 3-month sales from baseline to phase 1 and from phase 1 to phase 2.Results. At baseline (977 793 items, including 199 513 beverages), 24.9% of sales were red and 42.2% were green. Sales of red items decreased in both phases (P < .001), and green items increased in phase 1 (P < .001). The largest changes occurred among beverages. Red beverages decreased 16.5% during phase 1 (P < .001) and further decreased 11.4% in phase 2 (P < .001). Green beverages increased 9.6% in phase 1 (P < .001) and further increased 4.0% in phase 2 (P < .001). Bottled water increased 25.8% ...