Peer Interactions and Food Are Substitutable in Youth

University at Buffalo

Overview

This study examines the effects of increasing the cost of social interactions and food on overweight and non-overweight youth. Using a computerized operant task youth will earn points exchangeable for food and social activity. The investigators predict that both overweight and non-overweight children will substitute food for interactions with an unfamiliar peer when this alternative is made expensive. Also, the investigators predict that both overweight and lean participants will defend their choice to spend time with a friend even when this alternative is made expensive.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Activity Choices Caloric Intake Social Time

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 9 YearsMax age: 11 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Boys and girls ages 9-11 * Children must have a BMI equal to or greater than 15th percentile for their age * Children must report at least a moderate liking of the study foods Exclusion Criteria: * Children should not have any food allergies * Children should not have any dietary restraint * Children should not a cold or upper respiratory distress * Children should not have any psychopathology * Children should not have any developmental disabilities * Children should not be taking any medications that could influence their sense of smell and taste and activity level

Locations (1)

University at Buffalo, Division of Behavioral Medicine

Buffalo, New York, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Caloric Intake

Social Time

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.