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Published on: June 5, 2016
Preliminary Investigation of Effort Expenditure for Food and Monetary Rewards in Loss-of-Control Eating
Sarah C Dolan1,2, Emilia Espinoza Carrasco1, Mun Yee Kwan1
1Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, New York, New York, USA.
Summary
Individuals with loss-of-control eating (LOCE) show increased motivation for monetary rewards, but not food rewards, compared to controls. This suggests altered reward processing in LOCE may target non-food stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Loss-of-control eating (LOCE) is common in eating disorders and linked to increased eating pathology.
- Previous research indicates altered reward motivation in LOCE, but comparisons between food and general rewards are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in motivation for food and monetary rewards in women with and without LOCE.
Main Methods:
- Women with LOCE (n=23) and controls (n=24) completed food and money versions of the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT).
- Participants chose between low-effort/low-reward and high-effort/high-reward options with varying reward magnitudes and probabilities.
Main Results:
- Individuals with LOCE exerted greater effort for monetary rewards at medium probability compared to controls.
- No significant differences in effort exertion were found between groups for food rewards.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest heightened motivation for non-food rewards in individuals with LOCE.
- Future research should examine reward processing across diverse stimuli to identify potential treatment targets for LOCE.
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