The Physiology & Behavior (Nutritional Psychology) Laboratory

Dr. Omer Horovitz – Head of the Lab 
Mail: [email protected]
Phone:  +972-54-8054155. 

The theory of food (TOF) proposes that dietary acquisition and its mental representations resemble language on the neuro-cognitive and behavioral levels (Allen, 2012). Similarly to how our mother-tongue shapes our experience, our primary dietary habits form our nutritional behaviors. Nevertheless, although theoretical frameworks regarding this idea have started to accumulate, to date, scientific data supporting it is relatively scarce, with only a few studies devoted to the fruition of our adult diet on the backbones of our early eating antecedents. The current study aims to put this notion to the test. Precisely, we assess whether early food preferences are imprinted into our neurocognition and are preserved throughout life. To that end, a modified version of the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is being used to retrospectively test one’s nutritional consumption in childhood. In addition, an affective computerized task is administered. At the same time, psychophysiological measures are recorded to examine the subjective and objective affective responses to food categories as an indicator of implicit food preferences in adulthood. We try to develop a practical tool that tracks the development of one’s implicit and explicit mental representations of his/her cognitive diet.

in collaboration with Dr. Lili Nimri and The Saint Vincent De Paul hospital

There is a growth in the study of the associations between eating habits and mental health. Metabolic processes are affected by nutritional habits and were found to be related to several mental disorders. Studies on the relationship between eating habits and psychopathology are scarce. It is difficult to determine the nature of these relations. Two significant factors that affect eating habits are ethnicity and age. Therefore, the current study has two primary aims: [A] to assess the associations between eating habits, mental health, and symptoms of affective disorders in Israeli Arab youth by using self-reports; [B] to establish a dietary intervention method for changing eating habits in youth to maximize their mental health and to minimize their susceptibility for developing affective symptoms. To that end, the study is divided into two stages. First, Israeli Arab youth undergo self-reported questionnaires on their eating habits, mental health, and affective symptoms. Second, prone youth are identified, and a nutritional clinician employs intervention for healthy nutrition education. Following this step, youth are monitored and assessed using the same self-reported tools simultaneously across one year to test the intervention's success.

in collaboration with Dr. Lili Nimri and The Saint Vincent De Paul hospital

The production and marketing of energy drinks (EDs) have increased in the past few years. Due to the rising popularity of EDs, their consumption is increased in diverse populations, specifically among children, adolescents, and young adults. However, despite this popularity, in 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report that raised significant concerns about youth consumption of energy drinks. The current project has several aims: [A] to evaluate the association between energy drinks consumption and Caffeine consumption by the Israeli Arab youth and their nutritional habits, nutrition status, lifestyle and psychological states, [B] to assess the effect of energy drinks consumption with or without a meal containing a complex carbohydrate, on glucose levels, [C] to assess the effect of energy drinks consumption with or without a meal containing a complex carbohydrate, on physical parameters such as blood pressure in different time points, and [D] to examine for possible associations between Israeli Arab youth psychological status (i.e., mood and anxiety) and energy drinks consumption.
 

in collaboration with Dr. Noam Karsh

​Impulsive actions are usually accompanied by a subjective motivational experience of an “urge to act,” which is speculated to be responsible for self-control failures (from impulsively insulting your partner in the hit of the moment to self-injurious and sexual assaults). Unfortunately, it is relatively unexplored what information the urge is sensitive to and whether and how it influences self-control (e.g., voluntary inhibition of a pre-potent action). The current study aims to incorporate the currently neglected concept of an ‘urge’ within a model of self-control to understand the motivational state that influences voluntary inhibition. The research is built upon accumulating evidence from our own and others' labs, documenting the rewarding aspects of “control-effectiveness” (e.g., an immediate effect that is contingent on one’s action), its influence on further motor preparation and action selection, and preliminary findings documenting the sensitivity of the experienced urge to the ‘effectiveness’ of an action. Building on established mechanistic frameworks (e.g., the comparator model and our control-based response selection framework), we plan to experimentally manipulate the subjective urge in a theory-driven manner (e.g., directly by modulating motor-preparation excitability and indirectly through “control-effectiveness”) and to examine whether and how it influences voluntary inhibition.
 

in collaboration with Dr. Noam Karsh

The Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART; Lejuez et al., 2002) is a well-established task aimed to examine risk-taking and related behaviors. In this task, participants are to accumulate money by pressing a key to inflate a balloon image appearing on their monitor. At any point, participants can either secure their monetary gain by saving the accumulated money or keep pumping the balloon (and risk an explosion) until an (unknown) explosion point is reached. In case of an explosion, participants lose all the money they accumulated for the specific balloon. Usually, the main goal is to earn as much money as possible by earning the maximum amount of money in every new balloon and saving money in the bank before the balloon explodes. The task can be modified specifically for the experiment's requirements (e.g., the maximum size of the balloon on each trial, the number of trials/balloons, and the money entitled by each pump). In the current study, we first examine whether performance in the BART could be correlated with EDA responses and whether risk-taking and its related behaviors are also manifested in an unconscious autonomic activity.
 

in collaboration with Dr. Sigal Tepper

Polyphenolic compounds are found in different concentrations in various plant foods, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. Foods rich in polyphenols are fruits, vegetables, plant extracts, spices, coffee, tea, and cocoa. These compounds perform vital functions in plants, including regulating cell growth, coping with environmental stresses, and attracting pollinating insects. Over 8000 different compounds have already been identified. Their consumption may play a vital role in health by regulating metabolism, weight control, the development of chronic diseases, and the functioning of cells. Polyphenols may also affect various mechanisms in the brain that can help maintain cognitive and mental health. So far, an assessment of polyphenols consumption in the Israeli diet has yet to be conducted. Further, the levels of polyphenols in local foods have yet to be tested. The estimates for polyphenol content are based on information from global databases obtained from non-local foods. Since the content of polyphenols depends on growing conditions and the environment, the links between polyphenols content and mental states must also be confirmed in the Israeli diet. The current study aims at examining the relationship between dietary consumption of polyphenols in the adult population in Israel and their relation to mental states (moods, anxiety, and depression)

in collaboration with Prof. Ora Aviezer

Over the years, it is evident that developmental research has dealt with 'attachment' through the relationship between mothers and children. Recently, following changes in Western society in the perception of the father and his role in the family, there is a research interest regarding the unique characteristics of the father-child bond, intending to understand the contribution of fathers to the psychological development of children. A sensitive and involved paternal presence promotes developmental outcomes in many areas. Finding suggests that although in all areas of care and education, mothers are more involved compared to fathers, it was found that fathers play more with their children compared to mothers. In light of the above, one goal of the current study will be to try and expand the understanding of the father's unique role within the attachment system, to shed light on how children learn about themselves, others, and the world through the relationship with their father, with play at its center. Specifically, the research will try to examine whether, as part of the attachment system, fathers tend to take on the role of a "secure base" from which to explore and learn, compared to their role as a "safe haven" to return to for comfort and relaxation in times of distress. Until now, attachment has been measured mainly through observational measures. Another goal will be to examine whether the attachment pattern is related to the level of physiological synchronization of parent and child during a joint activity; This will make it possible to find objective correlates for the quality of the attachment. To achieve these goals, observational tools, psychophysiological tools, and self-report questionnaires will be used to monitor intervening variables. Fifty children and their fathers will be sampled for the study, where each father-child dyad will be invited to participate in a meeting during which they will engage in two tasks. The task activates the child's attachment system in a different way ("a dialogue" in which emotional arousal is created and a "game" that stimulates the investigative system). Through them, the attachment characteristics will be examined by measuring parental sensitivity. During the performance of the tasks, changes at the physiological level will be measured, such as skin conductance (EDA - electrodermal activity), pulse and heart rate (PPG - photoplethysmograph), temperature and mobility, using wireless bracelets that the couples will wear and will be used to examine aspects of involvement, enjoyment, interest, and satisfaction during joint activity. The research hypotheses are that parental sensitivity will remain consistent in emotional dialogue and in the game regardless of the parent's gender. Along with this, a difference will be found in parental "specialization" depending on the type of task. Further, fathers will show a higher ability to perform "sensitive interaction" in the game, compared to their ability to have a "sensitive dialogue" about the child's autobiographical memories that evoke emotional content. In addition, it is assumed that there will be a relationship between the degree of parental sensitivity and physiological synchronization between the parent and the child while performing the tasks.
 

in collaboration with Dr. Lili Nimri, Dr. Elias Nasrala, and Dr. Faiga Magzal

Recent literature indicates a link between maternal pregnancy-related stress and the microbiome in the offspring. Little is known about the microbiome metabolites’ involvement in maternal and fetal interactions at the systemic level during gestation. We propose investigating the associations between the mother's mental status during pregnancy and the umbilical cord blood metabolomic profiles at birth. We will also assess the mother's nutritional status, the newborn meconium microbiome composition, neonatal-perinatal status, and growth indices. The study will include 75 mothers and neonates born in Saint Vincent de-Paul hospital in Nazareth. Psychological and nutritional questionnaires will be sent to the mothers two months before delivery. On delivery day, umbilical cord blood and meconium samples will be collected from the newborn. A nurse will report newborn APGAR scores, growth indices, and other relevant medical information. The mother will be asked to complete the same psychological and nutritional questionnaires two days after delivery. This study will contribute to understanding microbiota and metabolite roles on maternal psychological adversity and infant growth indices.
 

in collaboration with Dr. Tali Bretler, Dr. Uri Yatzkar, Dr. Vered Shenaar Golan

There is a growing interest in the influence of physical activity on mental health. Among adults, it has been shown that physical activity is a promising treatment for depression and other mental health issues. For adolescents, the research on this issue has been developing in recent years and becoming more established. Despite methodological differences, measured mental health outcomes, types of physical activity, and age, the overall trend is similar. It indicates that physical activity positively affects mental health and should be combined with mental care. To our knowledge, only one scoping review on the relationship between running and mental health is available. While the evidence reported above supports running therapy as an effective way of improving mental health, there is a need for future research, especially in clinical under-18 populations, and a need to test the effect of running on more mental health outcomes other than depression, like anxiety. The current study was conducted on patients in the inpatient and daycare centers of the psychiatric adolescent department at Ziv Medical Center. This study assessed the effectiveness of combining a group-based running therapy as part of the treatment program provided in the inpatient and daycare centers of the psychiatric ward. To our knowledge, it is the first time that a randomized control trial of this kind has been conducted. Positive outcomes of this and future studies on the topic could lead to a policy change in which running therapy would be an integral part of the routine treatment program in adolescent psychiatric wards. In addition to the innovation of combining this kind of therapy in psychiatric adolescent wards, the study will also address the lack of sufficient evidence regarding the effect of running therapy on the adolescent clinical population, especially in-patients with the most complex and severe mental health states.
 

in collaboration with Dr. Orli Dahan

Various evidence indicates that many women experience alterations in consciousness during physiological childbirth, which in most cases correlate with a positive and empowering birth experience. This is what we call "birthing consciousness". This inner mental state associated with concentrating on “doing the job,” ignoring others, and being non-anxious and even fearless, is probably induced by the transient-Hypofrontality state of the women's brain (Dahan, 2020; 2021a). There is a connection between the phenomenological and the biochemical aspects of birth. Some hormonal features unique to labor pain arise from pregnancy-induced changes at different stages of nociception. Some of these biochemical changes appear synergistically to promote anti-nociception that peaks at the time of birth. However, if birth is disturbed, for example, by the use of epidural analgesia, this process is altered. 
Nowadays, the need for medical interventions during childbirth is increasing. Studies have found correlations between highly medicated births (such as instrumental vaginal delivery and unplanned cesarean section), negative birth experiences, and even birth trauma. This point is crucial because the negative birth experience was found to be correlated to postpartum mental health problems. One theory that attempts to explain polar and extreme experiences during an altered state of consciousness is the 'set and setting theory'. According to it, subjective experiences are shaped by the personality, preparation, expectation, and intention of the person having the experience (set) and the physical environment in which the experience takes place, including the people around and the broader socio-cultural context (setting). The current study will use this conceptual framework to examine the connections between physiology, consciousness, and cognition during birth. The study will explore relationships between different factors at three-time points around birth: the third trimester, immediately after birth, and around two months postpartum, collecting data in regards to the: physiological (nutrition and obstetric indicators) and psychological measures (a tendency for states of consciousness alteration - absorption and executive skills) in the third trimester; the state of consciousness during birth (flow-state), the physical and social setting during delivery, birth method, and the psychological factors in postpartum (post-trauma and anxiety). The study will be conducted by questionnaires given to the women before and after birth and hospital records concerning the course of childbirth.
 

in collaboration with Prof.Leslie Landaeta-Díaz & Dr.Gabriel González-Medina

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the ordinary course of life. Beyond severe health and economic consequences, psychological consequences have surfaced that require in-depth research to understand the pandemic’s effects on mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between levels of anxiety (low to severe) and anhedonia, with food consumption patterns and changes in body weight over the two years since the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel. This cross-sectional study, with non-randomized sampling via an online survey, included 741 study participants between the ages of 18 to 94. participants were asked to complete Beck's Anxiety Questionnaire, the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale for Anhedonia Measurement, the Mediterranean Nutrition Questionnaire, and self-reports of body weight and serving size changes. Those who reported severe anxiety and anhedonia reported the highest intake of fats, sugars, and carbohydrates and the highest weight gain. Significant interactions were found between weight, anxiety, and the consumption of butter and cream and salty pastries; those reporting the highest anxiety and weight gain declared the highest intake of these foods. A significant interaction was found between those with severe anxiety and anhedonia, who reported the highest consumption of salty pastries per week. Significant associations were found between anxiety, anhedonia, and body weight. In conclusion, the outbreak of COVID-19 and its long-term presence strengthen the negative psychological aspects and increase the consumption of foods high in fat and sugar. Further attention to nutritional health is needed since crises of this nature may also occur in the future and we must be prepared to prevent adverse consequences.
 

Danon‐Kraun, S., Horovitz, O., Frenkel, T., Richter-Levin, G., Pine, D.S., and Shechner, T. (2021). Return of fear following extinction in youth: An event‐related potential study. Developmental Psychobiology 63(7)

Horovitz, O., and Ataria, Y. (2020). The destructive nature of severe and ongoing trauma: Impairments in the minimal-self the destructive nature of severe and ongoing trauma: Impairments in the minimal-self. Philosophical Psychology 34(1)

Horovitz, O., Ardi, Z., Ashkenazi-Karni, S., Ritov, G., Annunu, R., and Richter-Levin, G. (2020). Molecular Sciences Network Neuromodulation of Opioid and GABAergic Receptors Following a Combination of "Juvenile" and "Adult Stress" in Rats. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21(5422)

Dvir, M., Horovitz, O., Aderka, I., and Shechner, T. (2019). Fear conditioning and extinction in anxious and non-anxious youth: A meta-analysis. Behavior Research and Therapy (BRAT))

Ataria Y., Lahad M. & Horovitz O. (2019). Authors’ response: Whatever works instead of all or nothing. Constructivist Foundations 14(2): 226–229.

Ataria, Y., Lahad, M. and Horovitz, O.  (2019). Applying the Neurophenomenological Approach to the Study of Trauma: Theory and Practice. Constructivist Foundations, 14(2).

Horovitz, O. (2019). Food and Mood: rethinking of mental illness through nutrition. EC Psychology and Psychiatry, 8.9: 1032-1034.