Decision-Making Processes Related to Perseveration Are Indirectly Associated With Weight Status in Children Through...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Behavior
• Developmental Psychology
• Pediatric Obesity Research

Background:

• Decision-making processes influence food consumption and are linked to childhood weight status.
• The precise relationship between decision-making processes and laboratory food intake in children remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how decision-making processes relate to food intake and weight status in children aged 7-11.
• To identify specific decision-making characteristics associated with higher energy intake and weight status.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a within-subjects laboratory study with 70 children (7-11 years old).
• Assessed decision-making using the Hungry Donkey Task (HDT) and quantified individual differences with a reinforcement learning model.
• Measured food intake via standard ad libitum meal, eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) protocol, and a palatable buffet meal.

Main Results:

• Increased tendency to perseverate after a positive outcome was linked to higher intake across all eating paradigms and indirectly to higher weight status.
• Perseveration after a negative outcome was associated with eating in the absence of hunger, particularly in children who consistently perseverated.
• Decision-making processes, specifically perseveration, are associated with laboratory energy intake in children.

Conclusions:

• Decision-making processes, particularly the tendency to repeat choices after positive outcomes, are related to increased food intake in children.
• These findings suggest a potential pathway linking specific decision-making behaviors to childhood obesity.
• The study highlights the utility of reinforcement learning models in understanding eating behaviors and developing interventions for childhood obesity.