Influence of Monopoly Game on Subtle Behaviors

The Effects of Experimentally Manipulated Social Status on Energy Balance in Youth: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this research study is to investigate how social standing in a game of Monopoly may influence behavior.

Participants will be asked to fill out questionnaires/surveys and health measures will be collected throughout the study visit. These health measures will include: blood pressure, heart rate, height/weight, waist circumference, percent body fat, resting metabolic rate, and salivary cortisol. Breakfast will be provided and then a 40-minute game of Monopoly™ will be played, and lunch will be provided after the game. Participants will be given an accelerometer to measure movements, and a food diary to be used for a 24-hour period. Once the 24-hour monitoring period has been completed, the participants will be finished with the study activities. The accelerometer and food diary will be returned by either bringing them to the investigators or mailing the items back to the investigators.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hispanic American adolescents born in the United States
• Have played Monopoly before

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical depression
• A diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (active or within the past 6 months), cancer (active or within the past 2 years, except non-melanoma skin cancer), diabetes (type 1 or 2), active or chronic infections, gastrointestinal disease, active kidney disease, lung disease, uncontrolled psychiatric disease
• An eating disorder or severely restricted diet
• Use of tobacco products
• Substance abuse disorder
• Take any medications known to affect appetite or body composition
• Participation in any weight-reduction programs, weight-loss diets, or other special diets within the previous 3 months
• Experience of weight loss or gain of 10 pounds or more of body weight in the past 6 months for any reason except post-partum weight loss
• Current/Anticipation of pregnancy during study
• Currently nursing or within 6 weeks of having completed nursing