Linking Big Five personality traits to components of diet: A meta-analytic review.

Abstract

This research synthesis sought to determine the magnitude of associations between major personality dimensions and components of diet. A comprehensive literature search identified 49 articles (584 effect sizes; 151,750 participants) that met the inclusion criteria. Pooled mean effects were computed using inverse-variance weighted random effects meta-analysis. Mean effect sizes from 98 separate meta-analyses provided evidence that lower levels of neuroticism, r = -.05 (95% confidence interval, CI [-.09, -.01]), and higher levels of extraversion, r = .07 (95% CI [.03, .11]); openness, r = .13 (95% CI [.07, .18]); agreeableness, r = .07 (95% CI [.04, .11]); and conscientiousness, r = .12 (95% CI [.08, .16]), are associated with a healthier diet. Personality traits related to fruit and vegetable consumption; sugar intake (e.g., candy, sugary drinks); salt intake; consumption of meat, dairy, and fiber; low-fat foods; fast food and snacks; convenience foods; breakfast frequency; meal irregularity; and emotional and restrained eating. There was evidence of publication bias complicating conclusions for conscientiousness and meat eating. Random effects metaregression showed that agreeableness had a stronger positive association with healthy eating among older adults. These findings should be of interest to health care professionals developing health care services that aim to promote healthy eating. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).