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The nature of imagery processes underlying food cravings
Author(s) -
Harvey Kirsty,
Kemps Eva,
Tiggemann Marika
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
british journal of health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 2044-8287
pISSN - 1359-107X
DOI - 10.1348/135910704x14249
Subject(s) - food craving , craving , psychology , mental image , cognitive psychology , task (project management) , auditory imagery , cognition , neuroscience , addiction , management , economics
Objective. The study used a working memory approach to examine the nature of the imagery processes underlying food cravings. Design and method. A sample of 60 dieters and 60 non‐dieters were asked to imagine either a food induction or a holiday induction scenario. Participants then performed 18 trials of either a visual imagery task (loading the visuo‐spatial sketch pad) or auditory imagery task (loading the phonological loop). Food craving was measured before and after the induction scenario, and then after every 6 trials of the imagery task. Results. Craving intensity increased following instructions to imagine the food (but not holiday) induction scenario, especially for dieters. As predicted, the visual imagery task was superior to the auditory imagery task in reducing the level of food craving. Discussion. The results confirmed the imaginal basis of food cravings. Specifically, they demonstrated that the imagery processes involved in food cravings are predominantly visual in nature. Hence concurrent tasks that load the visuospatial sketch pad of working memory can be used to reduce food cravings. The findings have potential application in the treatment of craving episodes in clinical populations.