<p> Eating is one of the most important and essential behaviors that an animal can engage in (Ruiz-Mirazo, Pereto, & Moreno, 2002). For both humans and animals, energy acquisition is part of a complex system termed eating behavior that includes context, overt behaviors, and physiological processes (Morrison & Berthoud, 2007; Saper, Chou, & Elmquist, 2002; Schwartz, Woods, Porte, Seeley, & Baskin, 2000). Previous research suggests that a specific context, being socially ostracized, can increase consumption of palatable food via a decrease in motivation for self-control (e.g., Baumeister et al., 2005; Oten et al., 2008; Twenge et al., 2007; Twenge et al., 2003). Additionally, research has found that while normal weight adolescents will work harder for social reinforcements after ostracism, overweight adolescents will work harder for food reinforcements (Salvy et al., 2011b). Fortunately, there is research to suggest that the impact of ostracism may be protected against by simply having individuals write about things that they value (Brandon & Vohs, 2009). The current study explores whether or not a values writing intervention might be useful for buffering the impacts of social ostracism on the consumption of palatable foods. Specifically, whether or not weight interacted with these variables (i.e. social ostracism, values writing, and caloric consumption) was assessed. While participants did consume more after being ostracized verses being included, no other hypotheses were supported. The current research contributes implications and refinements for future research in the areas of values writing as an intervention and explorations of disordered eating.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10002451 |
| Date | 28 January 2016 |
| Creators | Lebleu, Emmy L. |
| Publisher | University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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