An intervention based on Schachter's externality theory for overweight children: the regulation of cues pilot.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of an intervention based on Schachter's externality theory; the Regulation of Cues (ROC) program.


METHODS
44 overweight and obese 8-12-year-old children and their parents were randomly assigned to a 4-month ROC program or the control group. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and 4 months posttreatment and included acceptability and feasibility, body weight, and eating behaviors.


RESULTS
The ROC program had moderate to high acceptability ratings. Significant improvements were found for the ROC group compared with the control group on child food responsiveness at posttreatment and eating in the absence of hunger at 4 months posttreatment. Improvements were seen for the ROC group compared with the control group on body weight measures and food responsiveness, although these only approached significance.


CONCLUSIONS
The ROC intervention may be useful with overweight and obese children. Larger, fully powered studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of this model.
PhD, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0874, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. kboutelle@ucsd.edu.
Kerri N
KN
Boutelle
Nancy
N
Zucker
Carol B
CB
Peterson
Sarah
S
Rydell
Jordan
J
Carlson
Lisa J
LJ
Harnack
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D003463:Cues; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
children; eating and feeding disorders; obesity; weight management