Covert aversive sensitization in the treatment of obesity.

Abstract

unpleasant sensations and nausea, and 10 sessions in which they were treated with covert aversive sensitization as described by Cautela (1966, 1967). Those free-associating about food lost slightly, nonsignificantly more weight than those receiving relaxation training, so the 2 groups were combined for statistical analysis. Average weights of the 10 Ss completing treatment and the 6 prematurely terminating Ss at their local TOPS clubs 14 wk. before treatment began were 244.8 and 224.4 Ib. respectively, compared to 251.0 and 223.5 lb. at the time preliminary training began. Those completing treatment lost 2.9 Ib. during the preliminary sessions (probably due to attention) and an additional 5.9 Ib. during the 10 wk. of covert aversive sensitization. A comparison of the baseline change with the change during covert aversive sensitization for 10 Ss completing treatment, taken from a single factor analysis of variance for repeated measures, was significant (F = 6.31, df = 1/27, p < .05). Of 10 Ss 8 gained weight during the 14 wk. prior to treatment, 9 of 10 lost weight during treatment (p < .O1 by exact test from 2 x 2 contingency table). Although average change was quite modest in relation to total body weight, it was maintained relatively well during follow-up (+ 1.5 and +0.4 lb. after 3 and 6 mo.). Most of those terminating did so before receiving much actual covert aversive sensitization, and on average gained 4.5 Ib. before dropping out, with an additional 3.8 lb. gain on 3-mo. follow-up, but during the following 3 mo. they lost 2.3 lb. Of 6 Ss terminating treatment, all but one were seen by a very young, small female psychology trainee. The 6 women seen by the experienced male therapists all completed treatment. Because of small N, high drop-out rate, differences between therapists, lack of a control group, and the variations in pre-training sessions, results cannot be considered a conclusive test of covert aversive sensitization but do suggest the technique may have potential for weight reduction.