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Personality correlates of obese eating behaviour: Swedish universities Scales of Personality and the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire

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Abstract

Objective: To study the relationship between personality characteristics and eating behaviour in obese patients. Method: The participants were 45 patients with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 39 kg/m2. Eating behaviour was measured with the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) also taking the subscales Flexible Control and Rigid Control into account, and Personality was assessed with the Swedish universities Scales of Personality (SSP). Results: In linear regression analyses the personality characteristic greater Lack of Assertiveness could explain 17% of Disinhibited eating and 13% of Hunger scores, whereas less Lack of Assertiveness could explain 12% of Flexible Control. BMI was negatively related to one of the personality characteristics, Adventure Seeking. Discussion: A lacking ability to be socially self-assertive and confident characterized obese patients with more problematic eating behaviours that imply a risk for over consumption of food. A greater selfassertiveness was found in patients with a relatively more efficient eating strategy such as flexible control over eating.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Obesity Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden

    Kristina Elfhag Ph.D. (lic. psychologist)

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  1. Kristina Elfhag Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Kristina Elfhag Ph.D..

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Elfhag, K. Personality correlates of obese eating behaviour: Swedish universities Scales of Personality and the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire. Eat Weight Disord 10, 210–215 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03327487

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