Applying Novel Technologies and Methods to Self-Regulation: Behavior Change Tools for Smoking and Binge Eating

Applying Novel Technologies and Methods to Inform the Ontology of Self-Regulation: Aim 4

This study will evaluate the extent to which we can engage and manipulate putative targets within the self-regulation domain within and outside of laboratory settings in samples of smokers and overweight/obese individuals with binge eating disorder. This is the fourth phase of a study that aims to identify putative mechanisms of behavior change to develop an overarching "ontology" of self-regulatory processes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Understand English sufficiently to provide informed consent
• Right-handed
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and no color blindness
• Interest in engaging with Laddr to modify self-regulatory behavior

Additional Inclusion Criteria for Smoking sample:

• Smoke 5 or more tobacco cigarettes/day for past year
• BMI greater than or equal to 17 and less than 27

Additional Inclusion Criteria for Binge Eating Sample:

• BMI greater than or equal to 27 and less than 45
• Weight limit of 350 lbs
• Non-smoking (defined as no cigarettes in past 12 months-this includes former and never smokers)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant medical illness
• History of mental disorder due to a medical condition
• Lifetime history of major psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder)
• Current use of any medication for psychiatric reasons (including stimulants and mood stabilizers)

Additional Exclusion criteria for Binge Eating Sample:

• Lost weight in recent past (>10 pounds in past 6 months)
• Currently in a weight-loss program (e.g., Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig)
• Currently on a special diet for a serious health condition
• Current engagement in psychotherapy for binge eating disorder

Additional Exclusion Criteria for Smoking Sample:

• Binge eating behavior
• Current engagement in psychotherapy for smoking behavior