Effects of a Computer Game on Activity Choices

The study seeks to discover whether peer rejection increases the value of food relative to peer interaction in overweight individuals. After playing a computer game that randomly simulates peer rejection or peer acceptance, participants will play another computer game that will assess the value of food and social interactions.

Overweight individuals may be more likely to resort to food in moments of distress and less likely to choose to interact with a peer to reestablish their sense of belongingness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults ages 18-50
• Adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 18.5
• Adults must report at least a moderate liking of study foods used

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adults should have no psychopathology
• Adults should have no developmental disabilities
• Adults should have no cold or upper respiratory distress that could influence their activities
• Adults should have not be taking medications that could affect their food intake
• Adults should have no dietary restrictions
• Adults should have no food allergies