The facets of conscientiousness and body mass index: Potential mediation by eating factors. (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sawhney, Manisha; Hawkins, Misty A.W.; Stout, Madison E.; Keirns, Natalie G.; Mullins-Sweatt, Stephanie N.; Finn, Jacob A.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 166(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: BMI -- Conscientiousness -- Facets -- Eating behaviors -- Personality; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: High Conscientiousness (C) is linked to lower body mass index (BMI); however, the facets of C have not yet been analyzed in relation to BMI while adjusting for other personality domains or one another. The objectives of this study were to examine: 1) the BMI-C relationship within the broader context of the Five Factor Model (FFM) domains, 2) unique BMI-C relationships at both the C domain and facet levels, and 3) the role of eating factors as potential mediators of observed relationships. The sample was 542 young adults (20.2 ± 3.6 years) from a Midwestern university. Personality was assessed using the IPIP-NEO-120. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Eating factors were measured with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. Linear regressions were used to investigate associations between personality domains/facets and BMI adjusting for covariates. The C domain score was not associated with BMI ( β = −0.03, p = .187). Facet-level analysis showed that the high orderliness C facet was uniquely associated with lower BMI ( β = −0.22, p = .005). Indirect effects analysis revealed that disinhibited eating potentially mediates the orderliness-BMI relationship ( β = 0.56, SE = 0.07, CI [0.43, 0.70], p < .001). If corroborated with prospective studies, low orderliness may be a key risk factor for problematic weight regulation and a valuable treatment target.