30. Symposium Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Abstractband

Book published by University of Luxembourg (2012)

Food cravings discriminate differentially between successful and unsuccessful dieters and non-dieters: Validation of the Food Cravings Questionnaires in German

in Appetite (2012), 1(58), 88-97

Food cravings have been strongly associated with triggering food consumption. However, definitions and measurements of food cravings are heterogeneous. Therefore, Cepeda-Benito and colleagues (2000) have ... [more ▼]

Food cravings have been strongly associated with triggering food consumption. However, definitions and measurements of food cravings are heterogeneous. Therefore, Cepeda-Benito and colleagues (2000) have suggested the Food Cravings Questionnaires (FCQs) to measure food cravings as a multidimensional con- struct at trait- and state-level. In the current study, we validated a German version of the FCQs in an online study (N = 616). The factor structure of the state and trait versions could partially be replicated, but yielded fewer than the originally proposed factors. Internal consistencies of both versions were very good (Cronbach’s a > .90), whereas retest reliability of the state version was expectedly lower than that of the trait version. Construct validity of the trait version (FCQ-T) was demonstrated by high correlations with related eating behavior questionnaires and low correlations with questionnaires unrelated to eating. Most importantly, FCQ-T-subscales were able to discriminate between successful and unsuccessful diet- ers and non-dieters. Validity of the state version was supported by positive relations with food depriva- tion and current negative affect. Taken together, the German version of the FCQs has good psychometric properties. Moreover, this study provided first evidence that distinct dimensions of food cravings are differentially related to success and failure in dieting. [less ▲]

A narrative review of psychological and educational strategies applied to young children's eating behaviours aimed at reducing obesity risk

in Obesity Reviews (2012), 13(Suppl 1), 85-95

Strategies to reduce risk of obesity by influencing preschool children’s eating behaviour are reviewed. The studies are placed in the context of relevant psychological processes, including inherited and ... [more ▼]

Strategies to reduce risk of obesity by influencing preschool children’s eating behaviour are reviewed. The studies are placed in the context of relevant psychological processes, including inherited and acquired preferences, and behavioural traits, such as food neophobia, ‘enjoyment of food’ and ‘satiety responsiveness’. These are important influences on how children respond to feeding practices, as well as predictors of obesity risk. Nevertheless, in young children, food environment and experience are especially important for establishing eating habits and food preferences. Providing information to parents, or to children, on healthy feeding is insufficient. Acceptance of healthy foods can be encouraged by 5-10 repeated tastes. Recent evidence suggests rewarding healthy eating can be successful, even for verbal praise alone, but that palatable foods should not be used as rewards for eating. Intake of healthier foods can be promoted by increasing portion size, especially in the beginning of the meal. Parental strategies of pressuring to eat and restriction do not appear to be causally linked to obesity, but are instead primarily responses to children’s eating tendencies and weight. Moderate rather than frequent restriction may improve healthy eating in children. Actively positive social modelling by adults and peers can be effective in encouraging healthier eating. [less ▲]

A systematic review to identify behavioural models underpinning school-based interventions in pre-primary and primary settings for the prevention of obesity in children aged 4-6 years.

in Obesity Reviews (2012), 13(Suppl 1), 106-117

The aim of this comprehensive systematic review was to identify the most important behavioural models underpinning school-based interventions aimed at preventing or counteracting obesity in 4-6 year olds ... [more ▼]

The aim of this comprehensive systematic review was to identify the most important behavioural models underpinning school-based interventions aimed at preventing or counteracting obesity in 4-6 year olds. Searching was conducted in April 2010, with relevant literature included in the review from 1995 up to and including the search date on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and The Cochrane Library. Epidemiological studies relevant to the research question with controlled assignment of participants were included in the review, if they had follow up periods of six months or longer. Outcomes included markers of weight gain; markers of body composition; physical activity behaviour changes and dietary behaviour changes. A total of twelve individual studies were included in review. The most commonly used model was Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)/Social Learning Theory (SLT) either as a single model or in combination with other behavioural models. Studies that used SCT/SLT in the development of the intervention had significant favourable changes in one, or more, outcome measures. Those interventions that combine (a) high levels of parental involvement and interactive school-based learning and (b) that target physical activity plus dietary change, require further consideration in the development of useful interventions for children aged 4-6 years old. [less ▲]

Of larks and hearts – morningness/eveningness, heart rate variability and cardiovascular stress response at different times of the day

in Physiology and Behavior (2012), 106 (2)

Inter-individual differences in the circadian period of physical and mental functions can be described on the dimension of morningness/eveningness. Previous findings support the assumption that ... [more ▼]

Inter-individual differences in the circadian period of physical and mental functions can be described on the dimension of morningness/eveningness. Previous findings support the assumption that eveningness is related to greater impulsivity and susceptibility to stress than morningness. Heart rate variability (HRV) serves as a physiological correlate of self- and emotional regulation and has not yet been investigated in relation to chronotypes. The study explores differences in HRV and other cardiovascular measures in morning- and evening-types at rest and under stress at different times of day (8-11 a.m. or 4-7 p.m.). Students (N = 471) were screened for chronotype and n = 55 females (27 morning- and 28 evening-types) were recruited for testing. These participants performed a mental arithmetic task while heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. Spectral components and a time-domain measure of HRV were calculated on HR data from resting and mental stress periods. Evening-types had significantly higher HR and systolic BP, but lower HRV than morning-types both at baseline and during stress. Stress induced in the evening had a significantly stronger impact on absolute and baseline corrected physiological measures in both chronotypes. The interaction of chronotype and testing time did not reach the level of significance for any of the dependent variables. The enhanced physiological arousal in evening-types might contribute to increased vulnerability to psychological distress. Hence, previous behavioral findings are supported by the physiological data of this study. [less ▲]

Cardiac threat appraisal and depression after first myocardial infarction

in Frontiers in Psychology (2012), 3:365

The present study investigated cardiac threat appraisal and its association with depression after first myocardial infarction (MI). A semi-structured interview allowing for DSM-IV-Axis I diagnoses was ... [more ▼]

The present study investigated cardiac threat appraisal and its association with depression after first myocardial infarction (MI). A semi-structured interview allowing for DSM-IV-Axis I diagnoses was administered to 36 patients after first MI. Patients completed self-reports 5 to 15 days after the MI (time 1), 6 to 8 weeks later (time 2) and again 6 months later (time 3). Assessments at time 1 included indices of cardiac threat appraisal, locus of control, coping, and depression while at time 2 and time 3 only measures of depression were obtained. Cardiac threat appraisal was significantly correlated with depression at time 1, but was unrelated to depression scores at time 2 and time 3. Furthermore, there was a significant inverse association between cardiac threat appraisal and the subscales “search for affiliation” and "threat minimization" of the coping questionnaire. Additionally, “search for affiliation” correlated negatively with depression scores at time 1 and time 3, and "threat minimization" negatively with depression scores at time 1 and time 2. These results suggest a significant association between cardiac threat appraisal and depressive symptoms shortly after MI. Practical implications for treatment are discussed. [less ▲]

Evidence-based recommendations for the development of obesity prevention programs targeted at preschool children

in Obesity Reviews (2012), 13(Suppl 1), 129-132

As previously discussed in other papers in this Supplement of Obesity Reviews, the Toybox intervention was developed using an evidence-based approach, and refined through pilot testing. As part of that ... [more ▼]

As previously discussed in other papers in this Supplement of Obesity Reviews, the Toybox intervention was developed using an evidence-based approach, and refined through pilot testing. As part of that evidence base, two pieces of work were carried out. First, a series of narrative reviews of educational strategies and psychological approaches explaining young children’s acquisition and formation of energy-balance related behaviours, and facilitating their management (Gibson et al1; Vögele et al2; Kreichauf et al3, all published in this supplement). Second, a systematic review to identify behavioural models underpinning school-based interventions in pre-school and school settings for the prevention of obesity in children aged 4-6 years (Nixon et al4; published in this supplement). The aim of this short paper is to summarise and translate the findings from these two reviews into practical evidence-based recommendations for researchers and policy makers to consider when developing and implementing interventions for the prevention of overweight and obesity in young (aged 4-6) children. [less ▲]

High-calorie food-cues impair working memory performance in high and low food cravers.

in Appetite (2012), 59

The experience of food craving can lead to cognitive impairments. Experimentally induced chocolate craving exhausts cognitive resources and, therefore, impacts working memory, particularly in trait ... [more ▼]

The experience of food craving can lead to cognitive impairments. Experimentally induced chocolate craving exhausts cognitive resources and, therefore, impacts working memory, particularly in trait chocolate cravers. In the current study, we investigated the effects of exposure to food-cues on working memory task performance in a group with frequent and intense (high cravers, n = 28) and less pronounced food cravings (low cravers, n = 28). Participants performed an n-back task that contained either pictures of high-calorie sweets, high-calorie savory foods, or neutral objects. Current subjective food craving was assessed before and after the task. All participants showed slower reaction times and made more omission errors in response to food-cues, particularly savory foods. There were no differences in task performance between groups. State cravings did not differ between groups before the task, but increased more in high cravers compared to low cravers during the task. Results support findings about food cravings impairing visuo-spatial working memory performance independent of trait cravings. They further show that this influence is not restricted to chocolate, but also applies to high-calorie savory foods. Limiting working memory capacity may be especially crucial in persons who are more prone to high-calorie food-cues and experience such cravings habitually. [less ▲]

Psychometrische Evaluation der deutschen Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - Kurzversion (BIS-15) - Psychometric evaluation of the German Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - Short Version (BIS-15).

in Diagnostica (2011), 57(3), 126-133

Impulsivity is a personality trait which is characterized by rapid, unplanned actions regardless of possible negative consequences. One of the most widely used methods to assess impulsivity is the Barratt ... [more ▼]

Impulsivity is a personality trait which is characterized by rapid, unplanned actions regardless of possible negative consequences. One of the most widely used methods to assess impulsivity is the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11; Patton, Stanford & Barratt, 1995). The three factors nonplanning, motor, and attentional impulsivity can be measured sufficiently well with a short version of the BIS-11 (BIS-15; Spinella, 2007). The present study introduces the German version of this short version of the BIS-11. Reliability and factorial structure of this questionnaire were determined in a sample of predominantly university students (N = 752). The three-factorial solution was replicated. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s α = .81). Associations with another impulsivity questionnaire (UPPS) in a second study (N = 51) proved convergent validity. We recommend the BIS-15 for assessing impulsivity in German-speaking regions because of its good psychometric properties and economic procedure. [less ▲]

Stressbewältigung

in Meinlschmidt, G.; Schneider, S.; Margraf, J. (Eds.) Lehrbuch der Verhaltenstherapie: Materialien für die Psychotherapie, 4 (2011)

Das Thema Stressbewältigung (7 Kap. II/30) hat seit den 1960er Jahren einen rasanten Aufschwung genommen. Die damals beginnende Abkehr von dem bis dahin vorherrschenden biologisch-medizinischen Modell ... [more ▼]

Das Thema Stressbewältigung (7 Kap. II/30) hat seit den 1960er Jahren einen rasanten Aufschwung genommen. Die damals beginnende Abkehr von dem bis dahin vorherrschenden biologisch-medizinischen Modell, die zunehmende Unzufriedenheit mit der traditionellen Psychiatrie und die wachsende Bedeutung psychologischer Modelle und klinisch-psychologischer Interventionen haben dazu beigetragen, dass über die letzten 50 Jahre mehr als 4.000 wissenschaft liche Artikel zu diesem Th ema veröffentlicht wurden. Dabei finden sich die unterschiedlichsten Anwendungsbereiche, z. B. Stressbewältigung im Arbeitsbereich, in der Psychotherapie, in der Gesundheitsförderung und der medizinischen Versorgung, in der Paartherapie und in der Krisenintervention. Die Breite dieser Anwendungsbereiche ist sicherlich einer unter mehreren Gründen für die Unterschiedlichkeit der Interventionsmethoden, die unter dem Begriff Stressbewältigungstraining (z. B. Kaluza 2004) zusammengefasst werden. Üblicherweise beginnen die Stressbewältigungsprogramme mit einer allgemeinen Einführung zum Thema »was ist Stress«, ergänzt um eine Darstellung psychobiologischer Zusammenhänge und körperlicher Folgen vonchronischem Stress (7 Kap. IV/19). Die einzelnen Module beziehen sich dann auf spezifische Bereiche, die auch in anderen klinischen Kontexten von Relevanz sind. Dazu gehören Entspannungsverfahren (progressive Muskelrelaxation nach Jacobson, Meditation, autogenes Training, Biofeedback, Atementspannung; 7 Kap. IV/6), klinischpsychologische Interventionen (kognitive Umstrukturierung; 7 Kap. IV/11), Problemlösetraining, Training sozialerFertigkeiten (7 Kap. IV/10), Kommunikationstraining, Genusstraining (7 Kap. IV/8), Aufb au von Aktivitäten (7 Kap. IV/34)) und edukative Maßnahmen (Beratung zu Ernährung, Bewegung und Gesundheit sowie Techniken zur Optimierung von Arbeitsabläufen, Lernen oder Zeitmanagement). Bei aller Verschiedenartigkeit haben Stressbewältigungstrainings allerdings ein gemeinsames Ziel: die Förderung der körperlichen und psychischen Gesundheit und des Wohlbefindens durch eine Verbesserung der individuellen Kompetenzen zur Stressbewältigung. Genauer gesagt besteht das Ziel in der Erhöhung der Flexibilität im Umgang mit Belastungen. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen und den individuellen Bewältigungskompetenzen des Einzelnen gerecht zu werden, bedarf es eines breiten Angebots innerhalb eines Stressbewältigungstrainings. Deshalb integrieren die meisten Stressbewältigungstrainings mehrere unterschiedliche Interventionsmethoden in multimodale Programme. Wie bei anderen Interventionen auch, kann ein auf die einzelne Person zugeschnittenes Stressbewältigungstraining allerdings erst nach einer genauen Diagnostik der individuellen Voraussetzungen und Bedürfnisse durchgeführt werden. Im vorliegenden Kapitel werden nur wenige ausgewählte übergeordnete Materialien vorgestellt und es wird auf eine Auswahl der wichtigsten deutschsprachigen diagnostischen Verfahren zur Erfassung von Bewältigungsstrategien und therapeutischen Interventionen zur Stressbewältigung verwiesen. Verschiedene Bausteine zur Stressbewältigung können zudem – auf die individuellen Bedürfnisse eines Patienten angepasst – aus den o. g. Kapiteln zusammengestellt werden. [less ▲]