Carol Kuntz

Date of Award

1-1988

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Abstract

A random sample of 75 subjects identified as high and low dietary restrainers were invited to participate in an experiment that involved a contrived ice cream taste test and three assessment trials measuring salivation. A number of procedures were used to disguise the fact that grams of ice cream eaten was the dependent variable of interest. Salivation was assessed during a baseline trial, during an appearance/aroma rating of ice cream and again after eating. The best predictors of baseline salivation were total hours since last meal, and high ratings of desirability of sweets and greasy snacks in general. Although no interactions between salivation trial and dietary restraint were found, the high restraint group showed a trend toward significant increases from baseline to protesting. A multiple regression model identified the optimal predictors of grams eaten. The strongest, single predictor of grams eaten had to do with the time of the morning subjects completed the study i.e., lateness was related to higher intake. The results of the salivation trials are discussed in light of two previous studies of salivation and dieting. Also, contrary to expectation, dietary restraint proved to be a relatively modest predictor of eating. On the other hand, variables relating to food deprivation, preference for high calorie, tasty foods and satisfaction or satiation formed an optimal, linear combination of predictors.

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