Shaping attitudes toward sustainable insect-based diets: The role of hope

Abstract

Amid growing global food demands and environmental concerns, entomophagy (insect consumption) offers a sustainable protein alternative, though its acceptance is limited in regions where it is not traditionally practiced. This study explores the role of cognitive goal-oriented hope in shaping attitudes toward entomophagy. We surveyed 270 adults, measuring their attitudes before and after providing information about entomophagy. The results show that individuals with higher levels of cognitive goal-oriented hope experienced significantly more positive attitude shifts after receiving information on entomophagy. The findings highlight that hope not only correlates with positive attitude changes but also plays a direct role in moderating the impact of information on attitudes. This suggests that hope enhances openness to new ideas and can be cultivated through targeted policy, education, and communication strategies to promote sustainable dietary practices. These insights offer a foundation for designing effective interventions to encourage the acceptance of insect-based foods.

Keywords

• Entomophagy
• hope
• food security
• attitudes