We all have at least one comfort food that makes us ‘feel good’ on the inside. Whether it’s chocolate or chicken noodle soup, we are soothed when we consume it. Now, according to findings published on March 27 by University of Buffalo (UB) researchers, there is a reason why! That special food reminds you of someone in which you had a good, caring relationship with during your childhood. Whether it was a grandparent or another caregiver that you looked up to, the food that was given to you brings comfort!

The UB researcher associated the comfort food with the learning theory of ‘classical conditioning.’ Classical conditioning is the theory made popular by Pavlov and his dog. He found the dog associated the bell ringing with food being served. Similar to Pavlov’s dog, individuals associated food with a revered caregiver from their childhood.

When they seek to find comfort in times of rejection or isolation (or any other stressful situation), a connection is made with the comfort food given to them by a loved one. Therefore, they find solace in the foods that are associated with the comforting caregiver.

People connect the specific food with the caregiver that offered it, which apparently can last a lifetime. That feeling of comfort from food in childhood is carried over into the adult life. Consequently, individuals will often turn to comfort foods in times of stress or troubling times, which may also hinder a diet or cause binging (eating disorder).