Conformity and dietary disinhibition: a test of the ego-strength model of self-regulation.

OBJECTIVE Ego-strength depletion was examined as an explanation for dietary disinhibition in restrained eaters. We predicted that the depletion of ego strength resulting from having to choose whether to conform would undermine dietary restraint. METHOD Participants completed an Asch-type conformity task, after which they completed a taste-rating task in which food intake was measured. RESULTS As predicted, restrained eaters who repeatedly exercised choice ate significantly more than did restrained eaters who did not exercise choice. DISCUSSION An ego-strength model of dietary restraint is discussed.