Conflict over reasons to eat tasty food predicts weight fluctuation over 6 weeks

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Rosenhead ◽  
Warren Mansell
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Goal Conflict ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Loss Of Control ◽  
Food Cravings ◽  
Weight Fluctuation ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
Superordinate Goals

AbstractSeveral theories suggest that goal conflict leads to loss of control, but few studies have tested this proposal objectively. A transdiagnostic approach to CBT based on Perceptual Control Theory proposes that conflict between superordinate goals is at the heart of loss of control, and in turn, psychological distress. This study used the example of goal conflict around eating in a non-clinical sample as proof-of-concept to test whether it predicted loss of control. We examined whether the conflict regarding reasons to eat tasty food (e.g. ‘Eating tasty food helps me feel better’) versus reasons not to eat tasty food (e.g. ‘I want to lose weight’) correlated with weight fluctuations over 6 weeks in 33 students. At baseline, higher levels of goal conflict were associated with greater state and trait food cravings, and more problems with control over eating. As predicted, people with higher levels of goal conflict showed greater weight fluctuation. The effect diminished when controlling for trait food craving, and exercise fluctuation remained an independent predictor. We discuss the implications for future research on goal conflict, and for interventions that raise awareness of goal conflict to improve wellbeing via the enhancement of self-control.

Method of Levels: initial steps in assessing adherence and the development of a qualitative framework for mapping clients' control hierarchies

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Bird ◽  
Warren Mansell ◽  
Sara Tai
Keyword(s):  
Control Theory ◽  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
Item Scale

AbstractMethod of Levels (MOL) is a form of cognitive therapy based on Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). This paper presents the initial steps towards four methods of establishing the validity of MOL. First, the session was rated by two independent experts for its adherence to MOL using a newly developed 6-item scale based on the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale. Second, each therapist utterance within a session of MOL was coded and categorized in terms of the therapist's goal to test for adherence to the two specified goals of MOL. Third, a macroanalysis of a MOL session utilizing interpretative phenomenological analysis hypothesized the control hierarchies involved in a client's presenting problem and their zones of conflict. Fourth, a microanalysis of a brief interchange between the therapist and client explored its adherence to PCT. These methods of establishing validity are introduced and explored for later use in larger scale studies. The limitations of the present study and suggestions for future research are discussed.

The development and evaluation of the Depth and Duration of Awareness Coding Scheme (D-DACS)

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Higginson ◽  
Warren Mansell
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Rater Reliability ◽  
Coding Scheme ◽  
Control Goal ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
First Therapy Sessions

AbstractRecent advances in transdiagnostic cognitive therapy such as Method of Levels therapy have utilized perceptual control theory (PCT). The current study reports the development and preliminary investigations of the psychometric properties of a newly developed coding scheme – the Depth and Duration of Awareness Coding Scheme (D-DACS) – which utilizes PCT to code a client's awareness of their present moment experiences, counterproductive strategies (arbitrary control), goal conflict and higher-level goals. Fifty participants’ first therapy sessions were coded according to the D-DACS. For the purposes of inter-rater reliability analysis, 25% of sessions were co-coded and inter-rater reliability of the D-DACS was found to fall in the good range. Findings for the convergent validity of the D-DACS were mixed with the finding of a significant association between the D-DACS primary indices and a more global and subjective index of awareness as measured by the D-DACS, but a lack of association between the D-DACS primary indices and self-report measures that were somewhat conceptually related. Support for the predictive validity of the D-DACS primary indices in relation to the prediction of change in symptoms for a subset of the sample who returned for a second session (n = 35) was not found. Limitations to the D-DACS as it stands and to the current study are discussed. Considerations for future research that address such limitations are also discussed.

Depressive Traits and Theory of Mind in Healthy Individuals: A Mediation Study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas James Rowark
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Prepotent Response

Depression has been associated with poor social cognitive functioning, including impaired performance on measures of theory of mind. However, the association between depression and theory of mind performance has been removed when controlling for differences in executive functioning, which is also impacted by depression. Among these executive functions, inhibition of prepotent response has been demonstrated as enabling success on theory of mind tests. In the context of these findings, the current investigation tested whether a relationship could be found between depressive traits and theory of mind in a non-clinical sample, and whether this relationship was mediated by differences in executive control of inhibition. Theory of mind was assessed in 31 healthy individuals using an audio-presented false-belief reasoning task, which also tested baseline performance in non-mental-state reasoning. Inhibition of prepotent response was assessed with interference measures on a Stroop colour-word task, and depressive traits were self-reported through the second version of the Beck Depression Inventory. Mediation analysis revealed that executive control of inhibition did not significantly mediate an indirect effect of depressive traits on theory of mind. It was interpreted that relationships previously found between major depression, executive and social-cognitive functions do not generalise beyond clinical boundaries. However, these findings are discussed in terms of the small sample size, limiting statistical power, and several methodological limitations. Future research should assess the relationship between depressive traits and theory of mind using alternative measures of mental representation, or include a neurocognitive battery assessing executive functions other than inhibition.

Law enforcement investigation of non-sexual child abuse: Physical abuse, neglect and Abusive Head Trauma

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-92
Author(s):  
Sarah Shaffer ◽  
Nadja Schreiber Compo ◽  
J Zoe Klemfuss ◽  
Joanna Peplak ◽  
Julio Mejias
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Physical Abuse ◽  
Head Trauma ◽  
Abusive Head Trauma ◽  
The United States ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Medical Diagnoses ◽  
Interviewing Techniques ◽  
Case Characteristics

This study examined the experiences of law enforcement in investigating physical abuse, neglect and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT). Law enforcement ( N = 388) in the United States were surveyed regarding case characteristics, investigative strategy, interrogative approaches, frequency/content of perpetrator admissions and interagency interaction across cases of physical abuse, neglect and AHT. Results revealed that exposure rates matched those of national statistics. AHT perpetrators reported to admit guilt less often than suspects of physical abuse and neglect. Participants reported that suspects explain physical abuse and AHT by referencing poor self-control as a common cause. Lack of financial resources was commonly reported as the explanation for neglect. Potentially coercive interviewing techniques were reported across abuse types but were more frequent in cases of AHT. AHT cases were reportedly hardest to prove/prosecute partially due to conflicting medical diagnoses. Potential implications for law enforcement investigative (interviewing) policies and future research are discussed.

Alcoholism: A Social Construct

1982 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Poikolainen
Keyword(s):  
Alcoholics Anonymous ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Loss Of Control ◽  
Disease Concept ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
Basic Assumptions ◽  
Collective Control ◽  
History Of

Alcoholism as a specific disease was discovered about 200 years ago in North America. The disease is thought to be characterized by loss of control over drinking and by certain “symptoms,” supposed to occur in a typical order during the “natural” history of the disease. The basic assumptions of the disease model are, however, untenable. Despite this, the model is still viable. There are at least four reasons for this: (1) The medical profession, originally against the conception of alcoholism as a disease, has been made to accept the disease concept, (2) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) strongly believes in the disease ideology, (3) the disease model may relieve the moral stigma attached to socially unacceptable drinking, and (4) societies in which individual rights are highly esteemed prefer self-control to collective control. The benefits and disadvantages of the disease model should be reconsidered.

scholarly journals Food cravings and loss‐of‐control eating in youth: Associations with gonadal hormone concentrations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan N. Parker ◽  
Marian Tanofsky‐Kraff ◽  
Ross D. Crosby ◽  
Meghan E. Byrne ◽  
Sarah LeMay‐Russell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gonadal Hormone ◽  
Loss Of Control ◽  
Loss Of Control Eating ◽  
Food Cravings

Perceptual Control Theory as an integrative framework and Method of Levels as a cognitive therapy: what are the pros and cons?

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren Mansell
Keyword(s):  
Control Theory ◽  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Informed Choice ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Early Theory ◽  
Learn Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
Pros And Cons

AbstractThis article considers the pros and cons of using Method of Levels (MOL), a therapy based on Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). Five concerns about PCT are that it is an early theory, is not well known, originates from outside psychology, implies that established theories are inaccurate and has a mechanistic approach. Five positive features are that it explains how ‘control’ works, takes a phenomenological perspective, is grounded in biology, integrates many disciplines and has an evidence base. Five features of MOL can raise caution: it is not well known, emphasizes intrinsic change, requires the therapist to let go of control, concentrate intensively and use alternative evaluations of outcome. There are major advantages: it is a simple process to learn; theory-practice links are clear, it is ‘ultra cognitive therapy’ – focused on the present moment, client-centred and enables shifting in perspective, promotes service empowerment, and has an evidence base. This article will help therapists make an informed choice about using MOL.

“I Will Never Know the Person Who I Could Have Become”: Perceived Changes in Self-Identity Among Adult Survivors of Clergy-Perpetrated Sexual Abuse

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1139-1162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott D. Easton ◽  
Danielle M. Leone-Sheehan ◽  
Patrick J. O’Leary
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Adult Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Relational Self ◽  
Self Identity

Clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse (CPSA) during childhood represents a tragic betrayal of trust that inflicts damage on the survivor, the family, and the parish community. Survivors often report CPSA has a disturbing impact on their self-identity. Despite intense media coverage of clergy abuse globally in the Catholic Church (and other faith communities) over several decades, relatively few empirical studies have been conducted with survivors. Beyond clinical observations and advocacy group reports, very little is known about survivors’ perceptions of how the abuse impacted their long-term self-identity. Using data collected during the 2010 Health and Well-Being Survey, this qualitative analysis represents one of the first large-scale studies with a non-clinical sample of adult male survivors of CPSA from childhood ( N = 205). The negative effects of the sexual abuse on participants were expressed across six domains of self-identity: (a) total self, (b) psychological self, (c) relational self, (d) gendered self, (e) aspirational self, and (f) spiritual self. These findings highlight the range and depth of self-suffering inflicted by this pernicious form of sexual violence. The findings are useful for developing clinical services for survivors, shaping public and institutional policies to address clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse, and guiding future research with this population.

scholarly journals Communication Empowerment Framework: An integrative framework to support effective communication and interaction between carers and people living with dementia

Dementia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1739-1757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Morris ◽  
Warren Mansell ◽  
Tracey Williamson ◽  
Alison Wray ◽  
Phil McEvoy
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Family Carers ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Perceptual Control Theory ◽  
Perceptual Control ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Communication Challenges

ObjectivesTo demonstrate the power of integrating three theoretical perspectives (Mentalization Theory, Perceptual Control Theory and the Communicative Impact model), which jointly illuminate the communication challenges and opportunities faced by family carers of people with dementia. To point the way to how this framework informs the design and delivery of carer communication and interaction training.MethodConceptual synthesis based on a narrative review of relevant literature, supported by examples of family carers.ResultsWe use the conceptual models to show how the capacity to mentalize (“holding mind in mind”) offers a greater sense of control over internal and external conflicts, with the result that they can be deescalated in pursuit of mutual goals.ConclusionsThe integrative conceptual framework presented here highlights specific psychological and relational mechanisms that can be targeted through carer training to enhance communication with a person living with dementia.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document