Naming animals reduces meat preference in preschoolers according to new research
Researchers from SWPS University published a paper in the journal Appetite stating that giving chickens names makes preschoolers choose poultry less often.
Study findings on children choices
The study found that naming a chicken and describing its habits changes verbal declarations about food. This effect also translates into actual meal choices for the children involved. However, food preferences still win over empathy in most cases.
Benefits of reducing meat intake
Reducing meat consumption is associated with lower health risks and enhanced environmental sustainability. It also leads to reduced animal suffering according to the researchers. Identifying individuals by name represents a cost-effective psychological intervention for these goals.
Previous research on victim effect
Earlier work showed that identifying individual victims increases willingness to help humans and animals. Learning an animal name can change attitudes toward it significantly. The new paper establishes whether this applies to actual meat consumption across species.
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