Personality Traits and Eating Disorders

 

The Connection Between Personality Traits and Eating Disorders

 

The development of eating disorders stems from multiple risk factors, including genetic predisposition, emotional health, cultural pressures, and individual personality characteristics.

Your personality traits – the inherent patterns that shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours – are largely influenced by genetics while also being moulded by your environment and life experiences.

Research indicates that while some risk factors for eating disorders can be addressed and modified (such as negative body image, restrictive dieting behaviours, and the internalisation of societal beauty standards), certain personality traits may increase susceptibility to developing these conditions. These same traits can impact both the progression of eating disorders and their treatment outcomes [1].

It’s crucial to understand that eating disorders are not a choice. Recognising the various contributing factors helps facilitate prevention, early detection, and successful recovery.

As noted by Gilmartin, Gurvich, and Sharp (2022): “Researchers argue that understanding disordered eating behaviour in the context of an individual’s broader pattern of thinking, feeling, and regulation of emotions, may improve the identification and treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating.”

Let’s examine how specific personality traits influence eating disorders and explore coping strategies and support options.

Understanding Neuroticism

Neuroticism is characterised by a tendency toward negative emotional states. Individuals with high neuroticism often experience heightened levels of anxiety, self-doubt, shame, emotional volatility, and depression [2]. They typically struggle with chronic worry, emotional regulation, and maintaining composure during stressful situations.

Recent research from 2024 [3] identified neuroticism as the primary personality trait leading to generalised anxiety and dieting behaviours. Studies show that individuals with elevated neuroticism are more prone to various forms of disordered eating, including binge-eating and emotional eating [4]. Furthermore, neuroticism significantly influences the likelihood of experiencing depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in individuals with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa [5].

Dr. Zuo Zhang, lead researcher at King’s IoPPN, emphasises: “[Our findings] suggest that interventions targeting hopelessness… may improve clinical outcomes. For people who are feeling hopeless, therapies can focus on challenging negative beliefs and thoughts, teaching coping skills to manage stress and setbacks, and setting achievable goals to foster a sense of hope and agency.”

The Role of Perfectionism

Research has identified perfectionism as a significant risk factor in the development and maintenance of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, particularly in cases of bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa [6].

Perfectionistic individuals typically impose unrealistic standards on themselves and experience intense pressure to meet these expectations. In relation to body image and eating behaviours, this may manifest as:

  • Pursuing an idealised body type that aligns with societal standards of thinness or muscularity
  • Maintaining rigid dietary and exercise routines perceived as ‘perfect’
  • Experiencing intense fear of weight gain.

This struggle is often intensified by constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards in media and society’s message that self-worth is tied to physical appearance – a harmful narrative that serves commercial interests rather than individual well-being.

Perfectionistic individuals frequently struggle with evaluative concerns, experiencing severe reactions to perceived failures, self-doubt, intense self-criticism, and heightened sensitivity to criticism.

Moving Forward

While personality traits like neuroticism and perfectionism present unique challenges, they also offer distinct strengths. Having these traits doesn’t guarantee the development of an eating disorder. Remember that eating disorders arise from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Research shows that early intervention leads to better recovery outcomes. If you notice concerning patterns in your relationship with food, exercise, or body image – or observe these in someone you care about – seek professional help promptly.

When working with healthcare professionals, it’s vital to openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and personal history to ensure comprehensive treatment. For healthcare providers, addressing personality-related challenges alongside eating disorder symptoms is crucial for effective treatment [7].

References 

  • [1] Wonderlich, S. A., Lilenfeld, L. R., Riso, L. P., Engel, S., & Mitchell, J. E. (2005). Personality and anorexia nervosa. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 37, S68–S71. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.20120  
  • [4] Gilmartin, T. Gurvich, C. Sharp, G. (2022). The relationship between disordered eating behaviour and the five factor model personality dimensions: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychology .78 (9). Pp1657-670. Online: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jclp.23337  
  • [5] Zhang, Z. et al. (2024) 
  • [7] Fairburn CG, Cooper Z, Doll HA, O’Connor ME, Bohn K, Hawker DM, et al. Transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients with eating disorders: a two-site trial with 60-week follow-up. Am J Psychiatry. 2009;166(3):311–9  

If you are looking for confidential and free support now, the Butterfly National Helpline is open 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT). Call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or chat online or email.

Home