title: Snack intake is reduced using an implicit, high-level construal cue.
abstract: Priming a high level construal has been shown to enhance self-control and reduce preference for indulgent food. Subtle visual cues have been shown to enhance the effects of a priming procedure. The current study therefore examined the combined impact of construal level and a visual cue reminder on the consumption of energy-dense snacks.
  
  
  
  A student and community-based adult sample with a wide age and body mass index (BMI) range (N = 176) were randomly assigned to a high or low construal condition in which a novel symbol was embedded. Afterward participants completed a taste test of ad libitum snack foods in the presence or absence of the symbol.
  
  
  
  The high (vs. the low) construal level prime successfully generated more abstract responses (p < .0001) and reduced intake when the cue-reminder was present (p = .02) but not when it was absent (p = .40).
  
  
  
  Priming high construal level thinking reduces consumption of high energy dense snacks in the presence of a visual cue-reminder. This may be a practical technique for reducing overeating and has the potential to be extended to other unhealthy behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors: Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences.
authors: Menna
authors: M
authors: Price
authors: School of Psychology, University of Birmingham.
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Higgs
authors: Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences.
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003463:Cues; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000068356:Self-Control; D062410:Snacks / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult