One size does not fit all: Exploring how the five-factor model facets predict disordered eating behaviours among adolescent and young adult males and females

There is a wealth of research that has highlighted the relationship between personality and eating disorders. It has been suggested that understanding how subclinical disordered eating behaviours are uniquely associated with personality can help to improve the conceptualization of individuals with eating disorders. This study aimed to explore how the facets of the Five-Factor Model (FFM) predicted restrictive eating, binge eating, purging, chewing and spitting, excessive exercising and muscle building among males and females. An online survey assessing disordered eating behaviours, FFM and general psychopathology was completed by 394 females and 167 males aged between 16 and 30 years. Simultaneous equations path models were systematically generated for each disordered eating behaviour to identify how the FFM facets, body dissatisfaction and age predicted behaviour. The results indicated that each of the six disordered behaviours were predicted by a unique pattern of thinking, feeling and behaving. Considerable differences between males and females were found for each path model, suggesting differences between males and females in the personality traits that drive disordered eating behaviours. It was concluded that it is important to take personality into account when treating males and females who engage in disordered eating behaviours.

Prevalence of chew and spit and its relation to other features of disordered eating in a community sample

BACKGROUND

Until recently, research into Chew and Spit (CHSP) behavior has predominantly focused on clinical samples, and little is known of its prevalence in the community. The current study aimed to bridge this gap by exploring CHSP features in a representative sample of the general population. We hypothesized that the point-prevalence of CHSP would be less than 1%; concurrent with other eating disorder symptomology, and associated with poorer health related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHODOLOGY

Using the 2016, respondent-based, South Australian Health Omnibus Survey (HOS), data were collected on 3047 participants aged ≥15 years old. HRQoL was assessed with the Short-Form health-questionnaire-v1 (SF-12).

RESULTS

CHSP point prevalence was 0.4% (95% CI .23 to .69%; n = 13), and was more prevalent in people with compensatory disordered eating behaviors. The median age of those with CHSP was 39, and both mental and physical HRQoL were reduced compared with the general population (Mdn: MHQoL = 49; HRQoL = 50), with MHQoL being significantly lower in those with symptoms of a clinically diagnosable ED and concurrently engaged in CHSP (z = -2.33, p = .020).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the low prevalence of CHSP, the reliability of inferential statistics may increase the chance of Type II errors, therefore, future studies should use larger samples. Although CHSP is not "common" in a wider community sample, its prevalence appears to be similar to other ED associated symptoms.