Parsing the link between reinforcement sensitivity theory and eating behavior: A systematic review

The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory and eating behavior : Exploring their link

The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) serves as a psychobiological framework for understanding personality traits and their influence on eating behavior. Despite extensive research, the connections between RST factors and specific eating behaviors remain inadequately defined. This systematic review examines these associations using a parsing approach, distinguishing between BMI-related, self-reported, and behavioral outcomes. Findings indicate that reward sensitivity correlates with various eating behaviors, including emotional and restrained eating, whereas punishment sensitivity is predominantly linked to eating pathology. The relationship between BMI and RST factors appears to be ambiguous, suggesting that nonlinear associations between reward sensitivity and weight require further exploration. Additionally, reward sensitivity is identified as a significant predictor of reactivity to food stimuli across multiple behavioral measures. Overall, the neurobiological constructs of RST provide a concise framework for interpreting eating behavior outcomes, with the distinct relationships identified offering valuable insights for translational research. [NPID: Psychobiological, systematic review, reward sensitivity, eating behaviors, restrained eating, framework]

Year: 2022

Reference: Weydmann, G., Souzedo, F. B., Tavares, P., Corrêa, L., Heidrich, H., Holland, H., & Bizarro, L. (2022). Parsing the link between reinforcement sensitivity theory and eating behavior: A systematic review. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 134, 104525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104525

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