Dr. Kasia Banas

Biography

Kasia Banas is a postgraduate research student at the University of New South Wales, focusing on social identity and its effects on healthy eating intentions and behaviors. Her research is grounded in self-categorization theory and identity-based motivation, suggesting that when social identity is made salient, individuals will align their behaviors with the norms of that identified group. This perspective enhances the understanding of health-related intentions and behaviors. Her thesis explores the integration of social identity concepts into existing social cognitive models of healthy eating, positing that members of groups that value healthy eating are more likely to engage in these behaviors when that group's identity is made prominent. Banas conducted five experimental studies validating this relationship, which provides insights into the potential causes of the intention-behavior gap in healthy eating. She completed her graduation in 2015 and is co-supervised by Professor Marie Johnston at the University of Aberdeen.

Research Interests

Experience