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Gender, eating behavior, and personality characteristics in physically active students.
Einar Kjelsås1, Liv Berit Augestad
1Department of Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. kjelsas@medisin.ntnu.no
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|July 22, 2004
Summary
Women exhibit a higher risk of eating disorder behaviors compared to men. While general physical activity levels were not strongly linked to eating disorder symptoms, specific personality traits and body image concerns were significant predictors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sports Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Eating disorders (ED) and personality traits are complex phenomena.
- Understanding the interplay between ED behaviors, exercise, and gender is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research indicates potential gender differences in ED prevalence and associated factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between personality traits, eating disorder behaviors, exercise patterns, and gender.
- To identify key predictors of physical activity and factors differentiating individuals with and without high ED risk.
- To explore gender-specific differences in personality and their relation to ED behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 1482 university students (905 women, 577 men) in Norway.
- Utilized a comprehensive questionnaire including demographics, exercise habits, Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP), and Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI).
- Statistical analyses were performed to examine associations and identify predictors.
Main Results:
- Women scoring 40 or higher on the EDI had a three times higher risk compared to men.
- Eating disorder behavior was not generally associated with high weekly physical activity hours.
- Significant gender differences in personality traits were observed, with exceptions in "detachment" and "indirect aggression" for high EDI scorers.
- Key predictors for physical activity included "drive for thinness", "body dissatisfaction", "extraversion", and "neuroticism".
- Neuroticism, BMI, gender, and age were the most significant factors differentiating high vs. low EDI scorers.
Conclusions:
- Gender significantly influences eating disorder risk and personality profiles.
- Specific personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion) and body image concerns are linked to physical activity levels.
- Early identification and intervention focusing on personality, body image, and gender-specific factors are essential for addressing eating disorders.