Psychology Commons^™

Effects Of Olfactory Sense On Chocolate Craving, Michael W. Firmin, Aubrey L. Gillette, Taylor E. Hobbs, Di Wu

Psychology Faculty Publications

In the present study, we assessed the effect of the olfactory sense on chocolate craving in college females. Building on previous research by Kemps and Tiggemann (2013), we hypothesized that a fresh scent would decrease one’s craving level for chocolate food. While the precursor study only addressed the decrease of chocolate craving, we also hypothesized that a sweet scent would increase one’s craving level for chocolate foods. In the present experiment, participants rated their craving levels after viewing images of chocolate foods and inhaling essential oils: one fresh (Slique™ essence), and one sweet (vanilla). Results supported both of the hypotheses: …

Smoking By Restrained Eaters Following A Food Prime In The Context Of An Alternative Distractor, Michelle Kovacs

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Prior research found that female smokers with elevated dietary restraint (“high-restrainers”) smoked more after a disinhibiting food event (Kovacs, Correa, & Brandon, 2014). The current study aimed to determine if high-restrainers smoked merely to distract themselves from eating, or if the appetite/weight-control aspects of smoking played a role. Female smokers (N = 128) attended a laboratory session and were randomized to receive a milkshake prime (Prime condition) or not (No-Prime condition). All participants then received ad-lib access to tempting foods, cigarettes, and a computer tablet with internet access. Our main aims were to test the effect of the prime on …

Effects Of Olfactory Sense On Chocolate Craving, Michael W. Firmin, Aubrey Gillette, Taylor E. Hobbs

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Chocolate has been referred to as one of the most socially acceptable addictions. It is one of America’s most craved foods, and women tend to crave it more frequently than men. Kemps and Tiggemann (2013) conducted an innovative experiment to reconcile the ideas of mental imagery, scent, and craving. After presenting images of sweet foods and having female undergraduate students smell a neutral scent, the researchers found that the neutral smell decreased craving for sweet foods.

In the present study, researchers sought to replicate many aspects of Kemps and Tiggemann’s design. This new study went one step further, though: in …

Environmental Context Effects On Impulsivity And Subjective Craving In Caffeinated Alcohol Users, Amy L. Stamates

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Caffeinated alcohol beverages (CAB) (e.g., vodka and Red Bull, rum and Coke) have become increasingly popular among young drinkers. Research indicates that consumption of caffeinated alcohol is associated with higher reports of injuries requiring medical attention, engaging in more risky behaviors, and achieving greater levels of intoxication. As such, consumers of CAB are a population that may be at a higher risk of experiencing alcohol-related harms. Although CAB drinkers have been shown to exhibit more impulsive behavior, little research has examined impulse control in this population or other mechanisms that may contribute to alcohol-related risks for these individuals. It has …

Cannabis Users' Experience Of Cannabis Craving : A Test Of The Cue-Reactivity Model, Mallory Jane Eglit Loflin

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Despite craving’s emphasis in treatment programs, little research has been conducted that specifically focuses on cannabis craving. Cannabis use, however, is the second most commonly cited reason for entering treatment for substance abuse and dependency. An understanding of how cannabis users experience craving is necessary. The current study compared heavy/daily cannabis users with infrequent users on measures of craving following presentation of cannabis cues. Hypotheses predicted changes in physiological (heart rate, galvanic skin response) and cognitive (simple reaction time, attentional bias) correlates of craving, and increased self-reported craving following cannabis cue exposure. Results found no significant increase in most indicators …

Craving In Substance And Behavioral Addiction : The Role Of Emotion Regulation, Natalia Christine Orloff

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Individuals with emotion regulation difficulties lack the strategies to monitor and evaluate the emotional experience, often leading to an increase in efforts to constrict or conceal the emotional expression. Deficits in emotion regulation are associated with an increase in craving for risky behaviors, such as alcohol and internet use. Non-acceptance and impulse control are two domains of emotion regulation that have been linked to behavioral and substance cravings. What remains to be elucidated is whether these relationships are mediated by strategies employed to control the emotional experience. The current study aims to identify whether thought suppression mediates the relationship between …

The Impact Of Experimentally Manipulated Post-Event Processing On The Relationship Between Social Anxiety And Cannabis Craving And Use, Anthony Harlan Ecker

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Cannabis-related problems are major public health concerns. Social anxiety appears to be a unique risk factor that contributes to the development of cannabis-related problems, including cannabis use disorders. Given this risk, identification of cognitive vulnerabilities that may contribute to the onset and maintenance of co-occurring social anxiety and cannabis-related problems remains an important research goal. Socially anxious individuals experience anxiety and negative affect in response to cognitively reviewing past social situations (i.e., post-event processing [PEP]) and are likely to use cannabis to cope with negative affective states, which may occur during PEP. Thus, PEP may be one cognitive vulnerability factor …