Using stop signals to inhibit chronic dieters’ responses toward palatable foods

Veling, H., Aarts, H. and Papies, E. K. (2011) Using stop signals to inhibit chronic dieters’ responses toward palatable foods. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 49(11), pp. 771-780. (doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2011.08.005) (PMID:21906724)

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Abstract

Palatable foods in the environment can unintentionally trigger reactions to obtain them, which may interfere with dieting attempts. We tested a strategy to facilitate dieting behavior that makes use of behavioral stop signals that should instantly inhibit chronic dieters’ responses toward palatable foods. Participants performed a go/no-go task in which go cues and no-go cues (i.e., the behavioral stop signals) were presented with pictures of palatable foods and control objects. In Study 1, we tested the immediate behavioral effect of presenting stop signals near palatable foods in a reaction time paradigm. In Study 2 we assessed consumption of palatable food that had either consistently been associated with no-go cues, or not. Results show that no-go cues instantly inhibited responses toward palatable foods especially among chronic dieters. Moreover, across a one day period chronic dieters consumed less of a food that had consistently been associated with no-go cues. Stop signals thus appear a promising tool for chronic dieters to control behavior to palatable foods, and we discuss the merits and potential applications of this tool for facilitating dieting behavior.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Papies, Dr Esther
Authors: Veling, H., Aarts, H., and Papies, E. K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Behaviour Research and Therapy
Publisher:Elsevier Ltd
ISSN:0005-7967
ISSN (Online):1873-622X

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