Distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy eating behaviour: a personality trait perspective

Abstract

The aim of this research was to ascertain whether eating behaviour is associated with personality traits. It is hoped that the evidence from this research will further understanding of the possible effect of personality on eating behaviour. One hundred and thirty-nine participants were recruited from students at the University of Southern Queensland and individuals from the general public. Each participant was required to complete the Multiple Personality Trait Inventory and the Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. This research demonstrated that high optimism was related to healthy eating behaviour and high impulsivity was associated with disordered eating behaviour. The implications of these findings suggest that personality may be one possible factor that protects an individual from engaging in unhealthy eating patterns. This study also supported the notion that personality may be involved in the development of disordered eating behaviour. Nevertheless, due to the limitations of this study, further research is warranted.