Eating behaviour in relation to personality dimensions and self-esteem

Abstract

The research goal was to investigate the relationship between personality dimensions, self -esteem and eating behaviour in
various circumstances. We were interested in differences between general eating behaviour patterns and eating behaviour
of people in distress. Participants were 303 adults who filled out five questionnaires on eating behaviour patterns, eating a nd
appraisal due to emotions and stress, the big five inventory, contingent self-esteem scale and instability of self-esteem scale.
The results show that younger participants are keener to haphazard planning of meals and have higher appraisals of outside
stressors and influences. Also, their score in neuroticism and openness were higher, and they expressed higher contingent
self-esteem. According to the factorial structure, the factors of eating behaviour and psychological dimensions: coping with
stress and extraversion, influence of outside stressors and contingent self -esteem, and eating behaviour patterns. The
findings could be promising in further research of personality dimension and eating behaviour habits.
Keywords: Eating behaviour, personality, self-esteem, stress.