Microstructure of eating behavior associated with Rorschach characteristics in obesity

J Pers Assess. 2003 Aug;81(1):40-50. doi: 10.1207/S15327752JPA8101_04.

Abstract

The relationship between the microstructure of eating behavior and personality aspects according to the Rorschach Comprehensive System (Exner, 1991, 1993) was investigated among obese participants (N = 32). Eating behavior was measured using a computerized eating monitor, VIKTOR (Cabmek, Stockholm, Sweden), calculating initial eating rate and the eating curve. A higher initial eating rate reflecting eating drive was associated with Rorschach signs of stress overload according to the D Score and higher affective responsiveness to external stimuli seen in the Affective ratio. The stress overload may prompt eating, and affective responsiveness may be linked to appetite through a higher sensitivity to food stimuli, thus increasing eating drive. An accelerating rate of consumption during the meal was associated with intense emotionality and oral dependency, suggested by Pure C and Food responses.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Feeding Behavior / classification
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / classification
  • Obesity / psychology*
  • Rorschach Test*
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Sweden
  • United States