The effect of anxiety on food intake in the rat

Three levels of anxiety were induced experimentally in rats. With hunger drive held constant, the effects of anxiety on the intake of food which had either a positive or negative incentive value were observed and compared. The results for the intake of food with positive incentive value showed eating to be increased above control level by a low level of anxiety, and slightly decreased by medium and high levels. On the other hand, a direct relationship was observed between level of anxiety and suppression of the intake of food with a negative incentive value. These findings were shown to be inconsistent with previous explanations of similar effects in terms of an interaction between relevant and irrelevant drives. An alternative explanation in terms of incentive was offered.