One size does not fit all: Exploring how the five-factor model facets predict disordered eating behaviours among adolescent and young adult males and females

Abstract

There is a wealth of research that has highlighted the relationship between personality and eating disorders. It has been suggested that understanding how subclinical disordered eating behaviours are uniquely associated with personality can help to improve the conceptualization of individuals with eating disorders. This study aimed to explore how the facets of the Five-Factor Model (FFM) predicted restrictive eating, binge eating, purging, chewing and spitting, excessive exercising and muscle building among males and females. An online survey assessing disordered eating behaviours, FFM and general psychopathology was completed by 394 females and 167 males aged between 16 and 30 years. Simultaneous equations path models were systematically generated for each disordered eating behaviour to identify how the FFM facets, body dissatisfaction and age predicted behaviour. The results indicated that each of the six disordered behaviours were predicted by a unique pattern of thinking, feeling and behaving. Considerable differences between males and females were found for each path model, suggesting differences between males and females in the personality traits that drive disordered eating behaviours. It was concluded that it is important to take personality into account when treating males and females who engage in disordered eating behaviours.

Keywords: chew and spit; disordered eating; five-factor model; male eating disorder; muscle building.

FIGURE 1

FFM domains and facets. Note: Based on information provided by Widiger (2007); (Widiger, ; Widiger & Costa, 2012)

FIGURE 2

Participant survey completion flowchart

FIGURE 3

Data analysis flowchart

FIGURE 4

Simultaneous equations path models for restrictive eating, binge eating and purging behaviour in males and females, respectively. Note: Bonferroni corrected p values are as follows: Model A, C and E = .005 Model B, D and F = .004

FIGURE 5

Simultaneous equations path models for chewing and spitting, excessive exercise and muscle building Behaviours in males and females. Note: Bonferroni corrected p values are as follows: Model A = .004, Model B = .003, Models C and F = .006, Model D = .005 and Model E = .007