Gaby
We are what we eat: a new large-scale study from researchers at the University of Zurich (Switzerland) makes this age-old saying even more relevant. According to the researchers, dietary habits are linked to certain personality traits.
For those looking to become more pleasant and friendly individuals, the team of scientists recommends adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet.
On the other hand, if you tend to be more reserved, stubborn, and occasionally a bit unpleasant, the researchers suggest that deep down, you might be a meat-eater.
What the Researchers Discovered
The team conducted a meta-analysis of 17 studies examining personality traits in relation to eating habits. Approximately 70,000 participants from Germany, the United States, and New Zealand took part in these studies.
The scientists utilized the “Big Five” personality questionnaire, which assesses personality across five key traits: openness, agreeableness, neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness. (The “Big Five” is a scientifically validated and widely accepted personality framework among researchers. – Ed.).
Participants rated their agreement or disagreement with various statements about themselves on a scale from one to five. In total, there were around 50 statements, including examples like: “I feel comfortable around people,” and “I have a kind word for everyone.”
The researchers found that individuals who identify as vegans or vegetarians score higher on personality traits such as openness and agreeableness.
Openness levels were higher among vegans than vegetarians, and also higher among vegans compared to omnivorous participants. Meanwhile, agreeableness scores were higher for vegans than for omnivores, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The study did not find consistent links between neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness, and dietary style. This means that the presence or absence of meat in one’s diet correlates only with traits like openness and agreeableness.
“We expected that more neurotic individuals would also be more likely to be vegetarians, but we did not find this,” noted Christopher Hopwood, a psychology professor and co-author of the study.
The team also suggested that women are more likely to choose a vegetarian diet, as they tend to be more accommodating by nature.
Additionally, psychologists believe that compassionate individuals who care about animals and the environment are more likely to join the ranks of vegans and vegetarians than others.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Appetite.
