title: Functional Imagery Training to reduce snacking: Testing a novel motivational intervention based on Elaborated Intrusion theory.
abstract: Functional Imagery Training (FIT) is a new theory-based, manualized intervention that trains positive goal imagery. Multisensory episodic imagery of proximal personal goals is elicited and practised, to sustain motivation and compete with less functional cravings. This study tested the impact of a single session of FIT plus a booster phone call on snacking. In a stepped-wedge design, 45 participants who wanted to lose weight or reduce snacking were randomly assigned to receive a session of FIT immediately or after a 2-week delay. High-sugar and high-fat snacks were recorded using timeline follow back for the previous 3 days, at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks. At 2 weeks, snacking was lower in the immediate group than in the delayed group, and the reduction after FIT was replicated in the delayed group between 2 and 4 weeks. Frequencies of motivational thoughts about snack reduction rose following FIT for both groups, and this change correlated with reductions in snacking and weight loss. By showing that FIT can support change in eating behaviours, these findings show its potential as a motivational intervention for weight management.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Cognition Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK; Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation and School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia. Electronic address: jackie.andrade@plymouth.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Jackie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Cognition Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khalil
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Cognition Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dickson
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Cognition Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK; Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation and School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: May
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Cognition Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK; Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation and School of Psychology & Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Kavanagh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000009:adverse effects; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D062405:Motivational Interviewing; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D062410:Snacks / Q000523:psychology; D006113:United Kingdom; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D019422:Dietary Sucrose
keywords: Behaviour change; Cognitive; Craving; Motivation; Psychological; Snacking