Dyadic analysis of the relationship between food neophilia and dietary quality among older heterosexual couples: Findings from the NutriAct Family Study

Despite the benefits of a varied and balanced diet, many people do not follow the recommendations of dietary guidelines. One factor considered to influence food choices and therefore potentially important in promoting adherence to dietary guidelines is the willingness to try unfamiliar foods, also referred to as food neophilia. Given the importance of social influences on food choices, particularly among couples, food neophilia might influence not only one’s own dietary quality but also that of one’s partner. Using cross-sectional data from N = 390 older heterosexual couples (M = 64.0 years), the present study aimed to examine the relationship between food neophilia and dietary quality in the intra-couple context. For this purpose, participants completed the Variety Seeking Tendency Scale (VARSEEK) to measure neophilia. Dietary quality was scored using the NutriAct diet score, which was calculated based on a comprehensive assessment of dietary intake consisting of short-term (repeated 24 h-FLs) and long-term (FFQ) self-report instruments. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was applied to examine potential intra- and interpersonal effects. The results of our dyadic analysis revealed a domination pattern, in that women's food neophilia was positively associated with both their own and their partner’s dietary quality, while men's food neophilia showed no association with the dietary quality of both partners. This highlights the dominant role of women in shaping older couples' dietary habits, with their food neophilia emerging as a contributing factor. Our findings underscore the need for further in-depth research to develop interventions targeting health-promoting eating in older age using the dynamics within couples. Future studies could explore interventional strategies to support women’s dominant role while empowering both partners to collaboratively shape their dietary habits, emphasizing the potential benefits of trying unfamiliar foods.