A self-regulation analysis of dietary restraint

The eating behavior of chronic dieters (restrained eaters) and nondieters (unrestrained eaters) is examined within the framework of a model of self-regulation. A study is described that addresses the utility of the self-regulation model in describing the processes underlying consumption and also tests a specific hypothesis emerging from the model, specifically that manipulating comparison standards for consumption leads to changes in eating behavior. Restrained and unrestrained subjects, all female, participated in a taste test. Subjects were exposed to one of three types of comparison standards for eating behavior (diet standard, hunger standard or control) and half of the subjects drank a milkshake preload. The comparison standards manipulation influenced the eating behavior of restrained subjects in the direction predicted by the model. The model also proved useful in describing the processes underlying consumption for the two subject groups. One particularly interesting result was that, unlike unrestrained subjects, restrained subjects did not use internal hunger cues to regulate consumption. In contrast with the results of previous research, the restrained subjects in this study consumed large amounts in both the preload and no-preload conditions. Deficits in self-regulation, specifically in self-monitoring, self-reinforcement and self-control skills, are considered as possible causes of excessive consumption. Finally, the concepts of dietary restraint and counterregulation are critically evaluated in light of the present results.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio