Who do you think you are? - Personality in eating disordered patients

The Five-Factor Model of personality is strongly linked to common mental disorders. Yet the relationship between the lower order personality traits (facets) of the model and eating disorder (ED) features remains unclear. The aim of the study was to explore how patients with non-anorexic ED differ from controls in personality and to examine the ability of personality facets to explain psychopathology.

Female patients with non-anorexic ED (N = 208) were assessed on general psychopathology, ED symptoms and personality as measured by the NEO PI-R; and were compared on personality to age-matched female controls (N = 94).

Compared to controls, patients were characterised by experiencing pervasive negative affectivity and vulnerability, with little in the way of positive emotions such as joy, warmth and love. Patients were also significantly less warm and sociable, and exhibited less trust, competence, and self-discipline. Finally, they were less open to feelings, ideas and new experiences, yet more open in their values. Among patients, personality facets explained up to 25% of the variance in ED and general psychopathology.

ED patients have distinct patterns of personality. Identifying and focusing on personality traits may aid in understanding ED, help therapists enhance the treatment alliance, address underlying problems, and improve outcome.