Perceptual motor development, habituation, and learning in squirrel monkeys were studied under controlled rearing and diet history conditions to determine whether the animal's level of behavioral development was similar to well-nourished animals of his own age (agemates) or his own size (sizemates). From birth to 8 weeks of age, the animals were…

The cultural, behavioral, and sociopsychological dimensions of role structures were examined in this study of food-related roles of Mexican-American families (N=141 females interviewed) living in South Texas border communities. (DS)

In the past few years, a comprehensive behavioral treatment program has often been the treatment of choice for obesity. The basis for these techniques is the energy balance model of weight control. Obese adults (N=28) completed a 10-week behavioral weight control program and were subsequently monitored during a 2-year follow-up period. During…

The paper describes hyperkinesis, a common behavior problem of childhood which is characterized by symptoms which include involuntary and consistent overactivity usually with onset in early childhood or infancy, short attention span, and poor school performance. Sections touch on the following aspects: symptoms, etiology, course of illness,…

A behavioral weight reduction model for moderately mentally retarded adolescents is described. Six phases of the treatment program are delineated: background in information; selection of students; preintervention procedures (self monitoring and establishing goal weights); active intervention (training, reinforcement, instruction); maintenance…

Describes limitations of the psychological view that has dominated obesity research. The "brand" of psychology represented is assessed on its conceptual strengths, its implications for intervention program development, and its consequences for the delivery of services to people in communities. Suggests use of a human development model.…

Little previous research has compared bulimics to dieters who do not binge eat but who are also concerned with their weight. This study examined differences between college students who were classified as either bulimic (N=21), chronic dieters (N=29), or controls (N=83). The extent to which remarks made by significant others and failure…

Describes potential anthropological contributions to two components of nutrition education research: (1) the study of dieting behavior (food habits), and (2) the evaluation of nutrition education activities. (DS)

Reviews, from an anthropological viewpoint, the concept that food is more than nutrients. Discusses human food-related behavior in the context of a great length of time and describes traditional dietary patterns as behavioral adaptations. (DS)

A pilot study examined the effects of improved breakfast nutrition on students' academic achievement. Participants were 142 intermediate school children who usually ate breakfast in school. All children were given the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests, Form 1, Levels A-D, and were ranked according to their total reading scores. The experimental and…

Young athletes need to be aware of the importance of good nutrition to athletic performance. A basic diet plan, worked out with a physician to satisfy energy and weight needs, is essential. The best eating schedule and amount and type of food varies with different sports depending on the intensity and duration of physical activity. Weight control…

The Nutrition and Gerontology Services Project attempted to affect basal nutrition knowledge and address dietary changes for 478 California senior citizens who were live-in residents in homes for the aged. Two instruments were employed to measure study variables. Knowledge of nutrition was measured by the Nutritional Learning Scale, an orally…

The Continuing Professional Education Project at The Pennsylvania State University is described. Five professions were involved: architecture, accounting, clinical psychology, clinical dietetics, and nursing. The objectives were: (1) to bring the university and the professions into collaboration, (2) to focus continuing education activities as…

Although the augmental value of exercise to behavioral weight control programs has been suggested, demonstration of this value is dependent upon an assessment of adherence to change in eating habits and activity patterns. Self-report measures of adherence were obtained from overweight college women undergoing treatment that involved either dietary…

Summarizes the discussions and identified research priorities from a 1980 Workshop on Nutrition Education Research relating to areas of anthropology, communications, psychology, and social psychology. (DS)