Identifier

etd-04092008-135815

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This study examined the reinforcing value of caffeine and food in a sample of 14 normal-weight females who indicated some degree of dietary restraint, and consumed caffeine daily. Eligible individuals participated in two sessions, one of which required a 24-hour fast. During both sessions, participants completed measures assessing caffeine withdrawal symptoms, urge to drink caffeine, hunger, and a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) requiring them to earn points towards either snack foods or caffeinated beverages. There were no significant differences between the fasting and non-fasting conditions on MCQ scores, though the means were in the predicted direction (i.e., participants appeared to work harder for caffeine in the fasting session than in the non-fasting one). Between group differences were analyzed to determine if smokers worked harder for caffeine than non-smokers on the MCQ. Again, no significant differences were found, but means were in the predicted direction (i.e., smokers worked harder than non-smokers in both conditions). Predicted correlations were not found (a) between withdrawal symptoms and urge to consume caffeine; (b) between dietary restraint and MCQ scores; or (c) between dietary restraint and amount of daily caffeine consumption. Results were likely affected by limited power from the small sample size.

Date

2008

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Amy Copeland

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.63

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