Abstract
Self-control can be defined as the choice of a larger, more delayed rein-forcer over a smaller, less delayed reinforcer, and impulsiveness as the opposite. Previous research suggests that exposure to visual food cues affects adult humans’ self-control. Previous research also suggests that food deprivation decreases adult humans’ self-control. The present experiment used 11 adult human females who were not currently dieting to explore the interactive effects of visual food cues and food deprivation on choice behavior in a self-control paradigm. The results demonstrate that exposure to visual food cues, in conjunction with food deprivation, has significant effects on self-control for food reinforcers in adults who are not dieting. Specifically, when food cues were absent, participants demonstrated significantly more self-control when deprived than when not deprived. No significant differences were found when food cues were present.
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John Chelonis is currently at the National Center for Toxicological Research-Food and Drug Administration.
We thank J. Michels, P. Conway, B. Sowle, and C. Phillips for assistance in conducting this experiment. We thank J. Michels for assistance in preparing figures.
This document has been reviewed in accordance with United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the position or opinions of the FDA, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the FDA.
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Forzano, LA.B., Chelonis, J.J., Casey, C. et al. Self-Control and Impulsiveness in Nondieting Adult Human Females: Effects of Visual Food Cues and Food Deprivation. Psychol Rec 60, 587–608 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395734
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395734