Janneke Giesen

janneke.giesen@maastrichtuniversity.nl

I investigate the reinforcing value of food by means of a behavioural economic approach. Most of my research focuses on obesity. In the past decades, the number of people being overweight or even obese has increased dramatically. Obesity results from consuming more energy than expending it and has been found to correlate with the consumption of particularly high-calorie foods. Apparently, obese individuals consider high calorie-foods as more rewarding or reinforcing than low-calorie foods. According to a behavioural economic analysis of obesity, food choice can be altered in favour of the consumption of healthier low-calorie foods through increasing the price of high-calorie foods. I am interested in individual differences (e.g. between obese and non-obese individuals) in food choice, and what characteristics of high-calorie foods make them more rewarding for obese individuals.


By means of tutoring, I am involved in several courses of the Psychology curriculum of Maastricht University. For instance:

• Research methods
• Research practical
• Paradigms & Skills
• Bad Habits
• Manipulation

I would with pleasure be an advisor for students who are interested in writing their bachelor thesis or doing experimental research on topics concerning reinforcing value of food, obesity, behavioural economics or other related topics.



Giesen, J.C.A.H., Payne, C. R., Havermans, R.C., & Jansen, A. (2011). Exploring how calorie information and taxes on high-calorie foods influence lunch decisions. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 93, 689-694. [Download PDF]

Havermans, R.C., Giesen, J.C.A.H., Houben, H., & Jansen, A. (2011). Weight, gender, and snack appeal. Eating Behaviors, 12, 126-130.

Nederkoorn C., Havermans, R.C., Giesen, J.C.A.H., & Jansen A. (2011). High tax on high energy dense foods and its effects on the purchase of calories in a supermarket: An experiment. Appetite, 56, 760 -765.

Giesen, J.C.A.H., Havermans, R.C., Douven, A., Tekelenburg, M., & Jansen, A. (2010). Will work for snack food: The association of BMI and snack reinforcement. Obesity, 18, 966-970.[Download PDF]

Giesen, J.C.A.H., Havermans, R.C., & Jansen, A. (2010). Substituting snacks with strawberries and sudokus: Does restraint matter? Health Psychology, 29, 222-226.[Download PDF]

Havermans, R.C., Janssen, T., Giesen, J.C.A.H., Roefs, A., & Jansen, A. (2009). Food liking, food wanting, and sensory-specific satiety. Appetite, 52, 222-225.[Download PDF]

Giesen, J. C. A. H., Havermans, R. C., Nederkoorn, C., Strafaci, S., & Jansen, A. (2009). Working harder to obtain more snack foods when wanting to eat less. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47, 13-17. [Download PDF]



Giesen, J.C.A.H., Havermans, R. C., & Jansen, A. (2011). Werken voor de lekkere trek: individuele verschillen in de belonende waarde van snacks. Psychologie & Gezondheid, 39, 70-76.

Havermans, R.C., Nederkoorn, C., Giesen, J.C.A.H., & Jansen, A. (2011). Vettaks tegen vetzucht. Werkt het? Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Voeding & Diëtetiek, 66, 12-15.

Giesen, J.C.A.H., Havermans, R.C., & Jansen, A. (2008). (On)gezond leven is een keuze: een gedragseconomische analyse van de homo (on)economicus. [(Un)healthy behaviour is a choice: A behavioural economic analysis] De Psycholoog, 43, 613-618.

Giesen, J., & Havermans, R. (2007, 18 maart). Dikke jagers en verzamelaars. Blind! Interdisciplinair Tijdschrift, 11, artikel 7. [Download PDF]