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Mood, eating behaviour and attention.
J M G Williams1, H Healy, J Eade
1Institute of Medical and Social Care Research, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd.
Psychological Medicine
|May 7, 2002
Summary
Dieting may impair attention, especially for emotional eaters. Restrained eating shows attentional deficits, but mood doesn't worsen them. Emotional eating combined with negative moods triggers cognitive deficits.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Nutritional Psychology
Background:
- Obesity is a significant public health concern.
- Dieting is often unsuccessful for individuals seeking weight management.
- Dieting may negatively impact cognitive functions, mood, and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind dieting difficulties.
- To assess the relationship between dieting and cognitive function.
- To explore the influence of mood and eating behaviors on cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted involving female dieters and non-dieters.
- Measures included well-being, mood, eating behavior (Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire), and attention.
- Mood was experimentally manipulated to assess attention in restrained and emotional eaters.
Main Results:
- Dieting was linked to deficits in sustained attention.
- High emotional eaters showed impaired performance after negative mood induction.
- High restrainers were less affected by mood challenges.
Conclusions:
- Different eating behaviors have distinct effects on cognitive and affective functions.
- Restrained eating tendencies are associated with attentional deficits.
- Emotional eating, combined with negative emotional states, leads to cognitive deficits.