Alan J Blair

Dietary restraint and binge eating: Pseudo-quantitative anthropology for a medicalised problem habit?

Abstract Currently, neither theory nor research methods seem adequate to explain how dieting might contribute to binge eating ( Tuschl, 1990 ), especially the bingeing in bulimia nervosa.

Social Situation and Emotional State in Eating and Drinking

Socio‐affective state can affect appetite, and choice of food or drink can affect mood and social perception. Effects of dietary constituents on the brain often play some role in these food‐mood linkages but they are forged into strong and particular shape by personal involvement in cultural practices surrounding consumption of particular items. Briefly discusses psychological research into the following examples: alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee, nutritive tonics and dieters′ “danger foods”.

Response to Leaflets About Eating and Shape by Women Concerned About Their Weight

Concern about body weight and shape is commonly allied with dysfunctional self-concepts and eating behaviour. When provided with group therapy structured around written handouts addressing these problems, women referred for weight control have improved in their self- esteem, assertiveness, attitudes to body size, control of emotional eating, self-efficacy about weight and susceptibility to cyclic dieting, improvements which were maintained to follow-up. The present study examined the effects of the handouts alone on 27 women who actively attempted to control their weight. Relative to a sample matched for initial scores on the target variables, reported incidences of emotional eating and vigour of dieting were significantly reduced over a period of one year in the sample who received the bibliotherapy. Also, perceived body size, weight assertiveness, self-efficacy about weight control and body mass index all moved in the predicted direction, relative to controls, but not to a statistically significant degree. Such bibliotherapy on eating and shape is recommended as an adjunct to group or individual psychotherapy or to initiate change in clients waiting for professional counsel.

Behaviour therapy for obesity: The role of clinicians in the reduction of overweight

Abstract Behaviour therapists are often required to help those who are unhealthily overweight to reduce. Unfortunately, these interventions are often ineffective in the long-term. Many clients never achieve reduced weight. Often, those who do reduce weight are unsuccessful in keeping the weight off. A review of the relevant literature suggests that most therapeutic approaches do not enable people to change their lifestyles in the ways likely to be necessary for permanent reduction of weight to a healthy level. Clinical support for weight reduction would be more effective if it were more culturally realistic and therapeutically sensitive in empowering clients to make informed choices for themselves among sustainable habits of eating and exercise that contribute to negative energy balance. Approaches which encourage client self-efficacy and self-assertion are likely to be more effective in facilitating lasting change.

The triadic model as applied to the treatment of conduct-disordered children: A review and critique

Abstract Conduct-disordered behaviour in children has long been recognised as an area of particular concern for counsellors, clinical and educational psychologists and other professionals, especially given its widespread incidence and poor long-term prognosis. In response to this concern, one recent development in the field has been the use of an applied social learning theory approach, utilising a triadic model of intervention. Such a model, rather than working directly with the child, firmly locates the parent or other caregiver as the agent of change. This paper reviews critically the work which has been carried out under the broad rubric of the triadic model, addressing specifcally the short- and longer-term efficacy of such interventions. In addition, certain shortcomings and limitations in existing practice are identifed. It is argued that, in order to optimise the effectiveness of interventions, this will in many instances require a consideration of and work on parental well-being and self-esteem, ...