Attentional bias is more predictive of eating behavior after self-control exertion. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pollert, Garrett A.; Veilleux, Jennifer C.
• Is Part Of: Eating behaviors. Volume 29(2018)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Eating -- Ego-depletion -- Attention -- Dot-probe -- Self-control; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; Compulsive eating -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2018.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-0153

Abstract

Abstract: There is experimental evidence to suggest that attentional bias to food stimuli may predict food intake. The process model of ego-depletion (Inzlicht & Schmeichel, 2012) proposes that after self-control exertion, attention shifts toward rewarding objects such as palatable food, which in turn should prompt greater food consumption as an indicator of lower self-control. In the current study, 84 female restrained and unrestrained eaters engaged in a self-control or neutral task, followed by a measure of attentional bias and an eating task. Results indicated there were no differences in attentional bias or amount eaten between self-control conditions and dietary restraint groups. However, a moderated regression showed that attentional bias toward food or self-control images predicted eating behavior only in participants who previously exerted self-control, while no effect was found for participants in the neutral condition. These results suggest that attentional bias may predict food intake, but only for individuals who have previously exerted self-control. Highlights: Trait dietary restraint didn't directly affect eating behavior or attentional bias. State self-control ability didn't directly affect eating behavior or attentional bias. Attentional bias predicted eating only for participants who exerted self-control. Comparison of attentional bias to reward versus self-control cues may be important.