Storr & Sparks (2016, draft).pdf (547.87 kB)
Does self-affirmation following ego-depletion moderate restrained eaters’ explicit preferences for, and implicit associations with, high-calorie foods?
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 02:11 authored by Scarlett Marie Storr, Paul SparksObjective: The difficulty for chronic dieters (i.e., restrained eaters) in regulating their food intake is a conflict between two apparently incompatible goals: eating enjoyment and weight control. The latter goal consistently relies on the deployment of cognitive resources, and very often on a significant amount of self-control. This study investigated whether self-affirmation might counteract the effect of ego depletion on restrained eaters’ motivation to consume high-calorie foods. Design: Participants (N = 183) were assigned to one of four conditions in a 2 x 2 (Ego depletion x Self-Affirmation) experimental design and were subsequently exposed to images of high- and low-calorie foods. Main outcome measures: Participants completed tasks assessing their implicit and explicit preferences for high vs. low-calorie foods, along with a measure of the perceived self-control required to resist foods. Results: Results indicated that, following ego depletion, self-affirmation facilitated restrained eaters’ perceptions of self-control and led to lower explicit preferences for high calorie foods. This pattern was not apparent for implicit preferences. Conclusion: Self-affirmation interventions may be capable of restoring self-control resources among restrained eaters. Pointers for future research and practical applications are discussed.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Psychology & HealthISSN
0887-0446Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
7Volume
31Page range
840-856Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-07-20First Open Access (FOA) Date
2017-03-03First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-07-19Usage metrics
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