A comparison of cognitive restructuring and cognitive defusion as strategies for resisting a craved food

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dc.contributor.authorMoffitt, R.
dc.contributor.authorBrinkworth, G.
dc.contributor.authorNoakes, M.
dc.contributor.authorMohr, P.
dc.date.issued2012
dc.description.abstractThe present study investigated the effectiveness of two cognitive strategies for resisting a craved food. One-hundred-and-ten self-identified chocolate cravers were randomised to a waiting list control condition or to receive a 60-minute standardised group intervention on cognitive restructuring (CR) or cognitive defusion (CD). All participants were provided with a bag of chocolates which they were instructed to carry with them for seven days and try to resist eating; uneaten chocolates were returned at the end of the study period. Measures included chocolate consumption and other behavioural, cognitive and evaluative self-reported outcomes. Overall, the odds of abstinence from chocolate were 3.26 times higher for participants in the CD than the CR condition. The effect of the interventions depended on baseline cognitive distress levels; for individuals at high levels of cognitive distress the CD condition led to significantly more restraint from chocolate than both the CR and control conditions. In addition, CD led to greater self-reported improvements in eating behaviours during the study period and was rated significantly easier to use and apply than CR. CD is discussed as a simple and efficient approach to manage food cravings and, potentially, other behavioural contributors to obesity.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityRobyn Moffitt, Grant Brinkworth, Manny Noakes & Philip Mohr
dc.identifier.citationPsychology and Health: an international journal, 2012; 27(2):74-90
dc.identifier.doi10.1080/08870446.2012.694436
dc.identifier.issn0887-0446
dc.identifier.issn1476-8321
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/74495
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherHarwood Acad Publ GMBH
dc.rights© CSIRO Australia
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2012.694436
dc.subjectfood cravings
dc.subjecteating behaviour
dc.subjectcognitive restructuring
dc.subjectcognitive defusion
dc.subjectCognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
dc.subjectAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
dc.titleA comparison of cognitive restructuring and cognitive defusion as strategies for resisting a craved food
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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