Personality prototype as a risk factor for eating disorders

Abstract

Objective: To establish whether the risk of suffering from an eating disorder (ED) is associated with the high-functioning, undercontrolled, or overcontrolled personality prototype groups. Method: The Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) and the Eating Disorder Inventory 2 (EDI-2) were administered to 69 patients diagnosed as suffering from EDs (cases) and 89 people free of any ED symptoms (control group). A cluster analysis was carried out to divide the participants into three groups based on their scores in the Big Five personality dimensions. A logistic regression model was then created. Results: Participants in the undercontrolled group had a risk of suffering from an ED 6.517 times higher than those in the high-functioning group (p = 0.019; odds ratio [OR] = 6.517), while those in the overcontrolled subgroup had a risk of ED 15.972 times higher than those in the high-functioning group. Conclusions: Two personality subtypes were identified in which the risk of EDs was six times higher (the undercontrolled group) and almost 16 times higher (the overcontrolled group). Prevention and treatment programs for ED could benefit from focusing on the abovementioned personality profiles.

The Effect of Abuse History on Adolescent Patients with Feeding and Eating Disorders Treated through Psychodynamic Therapy: Comorbidities and Outcome

“…Moreover adolescence is the period of onset of personality disorders ( 5 ). According to the literature, obsessive–compulsive and avoidant personality disorders are frequently associated to eating disorder ( 6 ).…”

Personality Prototypes in People with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Relationship with Adherence

“…In accordance with the first aim of this study, we identified the three prototypical Asendorpf personality patterns in a sample of people with Dm1 and in a control sample. These patterns showed different degrees of association with adherence to self-care guidelines for Dm1 and with psychological health factors, once again confirming the existence of these personality patterns that are differentially related to psychological phenomena [ 24 , 29 ]…”

“…They have been considered as indicators of adaptation and psychosocial adjustment in adolescents [ 27 ] and also as predictors of behavioral problems in children and adolescents [ 28 ]. Moreover, they have been related to increased risk of eating disorders [ 29 ] and have been used to estimate admission to a rehabilitation program for patients with spinal cord injuries [ 30 ].…”

“…We hypothesize that the three Asendorpf prototypes of personality will be found and that people with resilient personalities will show emotional stability and, probably, adequate adherence. We also expect people with undercontrolled and overcontrolled personality prototypes to present greater emotional instability (associated with social and behavioral problems, respectively) and worse adherence to self-care guidelines [ 29 ].…”