The relationship between disordered eating behaviour and the five factor model personality dimensions: A systematic review

Abstract

The relationship between personality and eating disorders has received significant research attention. This review aimed to synthesize research regarding the Five Factor Model (FFM) and disordered eating behaviors, to gain an improved understanding of the relationship between normal‐range personality and subclinical eating disorders. Electronic Databases were used to identify studies published in English that utilized self‐report measures of disordered eating and the FFM. A qualitative synthesis of 45 papers was then conducted. High scores on Neuroticism were associated with increased disordered eating behavior. Different disordered eating behaviors were found to have unique relationships with personality dimensions. Facets within domains varied in direction of correlation with disordered eating behaviors, particularly in the Agreeableness, Contentiousness, and Openness domains. The results indicate that, further research is needed before generalizing treatment approaches for eating disorders for females, males, and gender diverse populations.