Sarah-Jeanne Salvy1, Lauren A Nitecki, Leonard H Epstein. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Behavioral Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Farber Hall, Room G56, 3435 Main Street, Building #26, Buffalo, NY 14214-3000, USA. ssalvy@buffalo.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Behavioral economics offers a framework to understand choice among alternatives. There is no research on the interrelationship between food and social activity in overweight and non-overweight children. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to test the substitutability of food and social interactions using behavioral economic methods in overweight and non-overweight youth. METHODS: Fifty-four (24 males and 30 females) overweight and non-overweight youth aged 9 to 11 years old were tested using a behavioral choice paradigm which involved participants responding to earn points exchangeable for food and/or social activity. RESULTS: Youth substituted food for social activities when the cost of social time with an unfamiliar peer increased (p < 0.05) and substituted food for social activities with an unfamiliar peer when the cost of food increased (p < 0.05). However, when interacting with a friend was the alternative, participants did not substitute food for social interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Social interactions can serve as a substitute for food in both lean and overweight youth.
BACKGROUND: Behavioral economics offers a framework to understand choice among alternatives. There is no research on the interrelationship between food and social activity in overweight and non-overweight children. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to test the substitutability of food and social interactions using behavioral economic methods in overweight and non-overweight youth. METHODS: Fifty-four (24 males and 30 females) overweight and non-overweight youth aged 9 to 11 years old were tested using a behavioral choice paradigm which involved participants responding to earn points exchangeable for food and/or social activity. RESULTS: Youth substituted food for social activities when the cost of social time with an unfamiliar peer increased (p < 0.05) and substituted food for social activities with an unfamiliar peer when the cost of food increased (p < 0.05). However, when interacting with a friend was the alternative, participants did not substitute food for social interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Social interactions can serve as a substitute for food in both lean and overweight youth.
Authors: Eric A Storch; Vanessa A Milsom; Ninoska Debraganza; Adam B Lewin; Gary R Geffken; Janet H Silverstein Journal: J Pediatr Psychol Date: 2006-04-06
Authors: Sarah-Jeanne Salvy; Julie Wojslawowicz Bowker; James N Roemmich; Natalie Romero; Elizabeth Kieffer; Rocco Paluch; Leonard H Epstein Journal: J Pediatr Psychol Date: 2007-05-24