Thompson, SD;
(2013)
Does Short-Term Starvation have an Effect on Socio-Emotional Functioning in Healthy Volunteers?
Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
This thesis is presented in three parts; the literature review, empirical paper and critical appraisal. The literature review summarises the neuropsychological similarities between Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although there were some similarities between the two disorders, the variation in methodological approaches, sample characteristics, and outcome measures of the studies reviewed meant that any conclusion were only been tentative at best. This review highlights the importance of the need for good quality future research comparing specific groups of individuals with AN and ASD. The empirical paper explores the effects of short-term fasting on socio-emotional difficulties in a healthy sample. This was done by using a within subjects fasting/non-fasting paradigm. Data collection was conducted as part of a joint research project with fellow trainee, Ellen Watkins. Following an analysis of the data the null hypothesis could not be rejected. Socio-emotional processing did not seem to be affected by short-term fasting. This research contributes to the ongoing debate surrounding the aetiology of these deficits in AN The critical appraisal reflects on the research project as a whole, and considers issues relating to the first two parts of this paper including the scope of the literature review, appraisal tools, joint working, recruiting a healthy sample, distress in a healthy sample, the importance of null findings as well as the impact of the thesis upon clinical work.
Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
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Qualification: | D.Clin.Psy |
Title: | Does Short-Term Starvation have an Effect on Socio-Emotional Functioning in Healthy Volunteers? |
Language: | English |
UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > Div of Psychology and Lang Sciences |
URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1416020 |
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