Temporal Frame and the Consumption of High Calorie Snacks: Moderating Effects of Impulsivity.

Abstract

Background: Previous research has shown a positive correlation between impulsivity and high-calorie snack consumption. The current study examined whether highlighting immediate (vs. long-term) consequences of high-calorie snack consumption reduced impulsive participants’ snacking behaviour. Methods: Participants (N=109) completed a questionnaire including measures of impulsivity and snack consumption, completed either an impulsivity priming task or neutral task, and read a health message highlighting either the short-term or long-term health consequences of consuming high-calorie snacks. One week later, participants were asked to record their snack consumption over the previous seven days. Findings: Participants with higher individual levels of impulsivity, and participants experimentally primed with impulsivity, consumed fewer high-calorie snacks when the immediate (vs. long-term) consequences of snacking were highlighted. Discussion: Findings suggest that health promotion messages advocating the avoidance of high-calorie snacks may be more effective for impulsive individuals if immediate health consequences are highlighted.