Thesis
The relation of hedonic hunger, hunger state, and food exposure to executive control, attentional food bias, and heart rate variability
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
May 2013
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4268
Abstract
Todays food environment has been targeted as a contributing factor to the increased prevalence of obesity. This study examined cue reactivity by manipulating hunger state and exposure to food in participants with varying levels of hedonic hunger. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of hunger state, food exposure, and hedonic hunger on executive control, attentional food bias, and heart rate variability. Participants from Drexel University completed a measure of hedonic hunger through an online survey. Measures of executive control, attentional food bias, and heart rate variability were collected during a laboratory visit, during which participants were randomized to one of four conditions manipulating food exposure and hunger condition. While the study was underpowered, two patterns emerged. The high PFS group had higher baseline HRV LF and experienced a greater decrease in HRV LF/HF compared to the low PFS group. Additionally, when satiated, the high PFS group showed decreased arousal and increased executive control, while the low PFS group showed an opposite pattern. However, minimal differences existed between groups in the hungry condition. Results suggest that individuals high in PFS scores have elevated levels of arousal. After the consumption of food, physiological arousal and executive control are improved, while the opposite results are seen in individuals low in PFS scores. This calming effect may help to explain why these individuals experience increased levels of preoccupation with food. Due to a small sample size, the conclusions are speculative and these effects will be examined as the study enrolls more participants.
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Details
- Title
- The relation of hedonic hunger, hunger state, and food exposure to executive control, attentional food bias, and heart rate variability
- Creators
- Lisa Marie Shank - DU
- Contributors
- Michael R. Lowe (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 4268; 991014631956204721