engleski

Personality traits and dietary habits of high-school and university students

Large individual differences in personal traits influence dietary habits, but they have been researched only sporadically. On the other hand, individual characteristics such as age, gender and personal attitudes towards food choices are well studied and used to describe dietary habits. The aim was to examine the relationship between personality traits and dietary habits of high-school and university students. Also, the aim was to determine the existence of specific characteristics that can be correlated to eating disorders among these at-risk population groups. The study included 85 high-school students aged 17.2 years (16 to 18 years ; 75.3% females) and 66 university students aged 23.1 years (21 to 29 years ; 65.2% females). They completed a questionnaire specifically designed to analyse lifestyle and dietary habits, by including basic anthropometric and socio-economic information. Section on dietary habits is scored and rated according to the point scale, where higher points achieved correlate with better dietary habits. Participants also completed the Big five inventory used to value the personality traits of the big five factor model (according to Kardum et al., 2006). According to the BMI calculated from self-reported height and weight, among high-school students 9.4% were underweight and 16.5 % overweight. Among university students 4.5% were underweight and 24.2 % overweight. Yet, personal opinion on state of nourishment shows large discrepancies. Among high-school students 24.7% thinks of themselves as overweight, but when compared to their BMI one in two students actually has weight problem (10/21). In university students similar pattern was observed ; 25.8% thinks that has weight problem, which is not supported by BMI (11/17). Fad dieting is a very common practice: 58.8% of high-school and 59.1% of university students. Lack of interest about personal health is equally present in both groups, with larger proportion of high-school students completely uninterested about that. Also, some personalities (e.g. extroversion, conscientiousness) were found to correlate more with healthier dietary habits and food choices. Personal traits in both groups show correlation with dietary habits and food choices. Some specific characteristics related to eating disorders were found in both groups, especially among females. These findings should be used as a basis for student’s education on dietary habits, eating disorders and related health aspects.

personality traits ; dietary habits ; eating disorders ; fad dieting

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