Association between impulsivity and healthy orthorexia: any moderating role of personality traits?

The study objectives were to investigate correlates of healthy orthorexia (HeOr), its relation with impulsivity, and the moderating role of adaptive personality traits among a Lebanese adult sample. The sample was recruited from seven community pharmacies, from the five districts in Lebanon, chosen from a list provided by the Lebanese Order of Pharmacists in a convenient way. The questionnaire included the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) to measure HeOr, Big Five Inventory (BFI) to assess adaptive personality traits, and the I-8 scale for impulsivity. Higher extraversion (B = -4.31) was significantly associated with lower healthy orthorexia. The interaction perseverance by extraversion was associated with higher healthy orthorexia; in those with higher perseverance, higher extraversion was associated with more healthy orthorexia. Our study presents findings that could be of significant clinical relevance in the future, especially with the interest increase in Orthorexia Nervosa prevalence, which subsequently prompts more research and intrigue about HeOr. Furthermore, it places healthy eating and consistent commitment to a healthy diet within a clearly defined scientific frame, on which further investigation can be based.