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An electrophysiological correlate of Eating Attitudes Test scores in female college students

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Josephine F. Wilson*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, USA
Joy C. Mercer
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, USA
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr Josephine F. Wilson, Department of Psychology, Wittenberg University, PO Box 720, Springfield, Ohio 45501, USA.

Synopsis

Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) scores of forty female college students were compared to their electrodermal activity (EDA) responses when offered a plate of chocolate chip cookies. A significant positive correlation was detected between the EAT scores and the skin conductivity measures associated with the presentation of food. Women with the highest EAT scores also exhibited the greatest sympathetic nervous system responses to a plate of cookies. This finding supports the conclusion that the EAT is capable of identifying individuals who are preoccupied with food or anxious about eating.

Type
Preliminary Communication
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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