The association of Conscientiousness and Neuroticism on BMI and health behaviours: exploring the impact of Healthy Neuroticism

This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between personality traits, specifically Neuroticism and Conscientiousness, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in a national sample of 21,619 adults. Utilizing the Big Five Inventory-10 for personality assessment and self-reported measures for health behaviors, the study aimed to clarify the role of health behaviors in these associations. The findings indicate that Neuroticism and Unhealthy Neuroticism correlate positively with BMI, while Conscientiousness and Healthy Neuroticism are linked to lower BMI. Notably, health behaviors, including physical activity and dietary awareness, were found to mediate these relationships, both fully and partially. The results underscore the significance of differentiating between Healthy and Unhealthy Neuroticism in relation to BMI and health behaviors. Furthermore, stratified analyses suggest that educational level may influence these associations, reflecting underlying differences in health behaviors. [NPID: Conscientiousness, neuroticism, personality, diet]

Year: 2025

Reference: Pedersen, Z. O., Sørensen, K., Ewers, B., & Dammeyer, J. (2025). The association of Conscientiousness and Neuroticism on BMI and health behaviours: Exploring the impact of Healthy Neuroticism. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1634465. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1634465

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