Does inhibitory control training protect against the effect of ego-depletion on eating behaviour?

Abstract

Background: Experimental evidence suggests that when self-control resources are low (i.e., via ego-depletion), individuals consume more unhealthy food. Additionally, interventions that train inhibitory control show promise at reducing unhealthy food consumption. To date, the interaction between these paradigms has not been examined. Methods: A 2 (training vs control) x 2 (depletion vs no depletion) between participants factorial design was used to test whether inhibitory control training can protect against the negative effect of ego-depletion on eating behaviour. A community sample (N = 112) completed either stop-signal task training or control, followed by either a depletion task or a control task. Following this, unhealthy food consumption was measured by a taste test. Findings: A significant interaction between training and depletion, F(1,108) = 7.299, p = .008; eta2 = .063, on food consumption was detected. Follow-up analyses revealed no differences in consumption between training and control conditions among participants who completed the depletion task. Among participants in the no depletion condition, those who received training consumed less than those in the control condition, MD = 14.05 grams, t(53) = 2.142, p = .037. Discussion: It appears that inhibitory control training does not protect against the effects of ego-depletion, and in fact, ego-depletion may eliminate any benefits experienced from training. Acts of self-control are rarely performed in isolation, therefore inducing a state of ego-depletion simulates an externally valid situation. As inhibitory control training was not effective under these conditions, this intervention technique may not be beneficial in changing eating behaviour in real-world settings.