The Role of Chronic Sugar Consumption as a Moderating Variable on Acute Sugar Consumption and Aspects of Executive Function

• Main Author: Joyce, Caroline M
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholarship @ Claremont 2016
• Subjects: sugar; executive function; Cognitive Psychology
• Online Access: http://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/862; http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1870&context=scripps_theses

This study explores the relationship between acute sugar consumption and its effect on executive function (EF). Specifically, this study examines the effect of both acute and chronic sugar consumption on EF. An epidemiological survey was given on an online work distribution platform, where participants finished cognitive tasks of EF after completing questionnaires assessing sugar consumption both in the last year and last 24 hours (n = 273). It was hypothesized that acute and chronic sugar intake would significantly predict scores on measures of aspects of EF. Additionally, it was hypothesized that chronic sugar intake would significantly moderate the relationship between acute sugar intake and EF. Neither acute nor chronic sugar consumption predicted EF. This effect was not changed by including chronic sugar consumption as a moderating variable upon acute sugar consumption and EF. This research provides greater evidence about what effect sugar consumption has on EF.