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Perception of Taste and Smell, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Restrictive Eating Behaviors in a Non-Clinical Sample

Pucci, Gabriella
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1514-4811
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1634304382872402

Abstract Details

2021, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Clinical Psychology (Arts and Sciences).
Restrictive eating behaviors are associated with several poor health outcomes. Exteroceptive sensory modalities such as taste and smell are employed while eating and disturbances in exteroceptive sensitivity may influence eating behavior. Meal-related gastrointestinal disturbances, such as early satiety and postprandial fullness, are well-documented in eating disorders, and may influence eating behavior. This study aimed to examine the relationship between restrictive eating behaviors and sensitivity to taste or smell and gastrointestinal symptoms, and potential interactions between gastrointestinal symptoms and sensitivity to taste or smell. A sample of adults between the ages of 18 and 65 from the general population (N=420) completed questionnaire assessments of restrictive eating, sensitivity to taste and smell, and gastrointestinal symptom severity. There was a weak relationship between restrictive eating behaviors and both sensitivity to taste (p=.022) and smell (p=.039). Additionally, this study replicated previous findings of a strong relationship between gastrointestinal symptom severity and restrictive eating behaviors (p<.001). Gastrointestinal symptom severity moderated the relationship between sensitivity to taste and restrictive eating behaviors, such that this relationship was strongest at lower levels of gastrointestinal symptom severity (p=.014). There was no observed interaction between sensitivity to smell and gastrointestinal symptoms (p=.156). These results indicate that increased sensitivity to taste, sensitivity to smell, and gastrointestinal symptom severity were each associated with greater restrictive eating behaviors. Additionally, the relationship between sensitivity to taste and restrictive eating behaviors is strongest at lower levels of gastrointestinal symptom severity. As such, future research might examine whether tailoring treatments for individuals who present with sensitivity to taste or smell, gastrointestinal symptoms, or both is effective in reducing restrictive eating behaviors.
K. Jean Forney (Advisor)
Darcey Allan (Committee Member)
Chris France (Committee Member)
Psychology
Restrictive eating; perception; disordered eating

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Pucci, G. (2021). Perception of Taste and Smell, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Restrictive Eating Behaviors in a Non-Clinical Sample [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1634304382872402

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Pucci, Gabriella. Perception of Taste and Smell, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Restrictive Eating Behaviors in a Non-Clinical Sample. 2021. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1634304382872402.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Pucci, Gabriella. "Perception of Taste and Smell, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Restrictive Eating Behaviors in a Non-Clinical Sample." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1634304382872402

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1634304382872402
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© 2021, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.