Abstract
Food cravings are a common barrier to losing weight. This article presents a randomised comparison of non-expert group-delivered ultra-brief defusion and acceptance interventions against a distraction control. A total of 63 participants were asked to carry a bag of chocolates for a week while trying to resist the temptation to eat them. A behavioural rebound measure was administered. Each intervention out-performed control in respect of consumption, but not cravings. These techniques may have a place in the clinical management of food cravings. We provide tentative evidence that the mechanism of action is through decreased reactivity to cravings, not through reduced frequency of cravings.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1698-1709 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Health Psychology |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 Oct 2019 |
Keywords
- acceptance and commitment therapy
- craving
- defusion
- eating
- food
- mindfulness