Personality traits, dieting self-efficacy and health behaviors in emerging adult women: implications for health promotion and education

 The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between personality traits and dieting self-efficacy as well as health behaviors among emerging adult women.

In this cross-sectional study, the sample consisted of 161 participants in age from 19 to 25 years, who were administered the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory, the Health Behaviors Inventory (HBI), and the Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale (DIET-SE).

Our findings indicated that personality traits explained both health behaviors and dieting self-efficacy (F = 6.21, df = 5,155, P < 0.001, F = 6.42, df = 5,155, P < 0.001, respectively). Neuroticism (B = -0.45, P < 0.01) and agreeableness (B = 0.39, P < 0.01) were investigated as significant predictors of females’ health behaviors, whereas extraversion (B = -0.40, P < 0.001), agreeableness (B = 0.20, P < 0.05), and conscientiousness (B = 0.33, P < 0.01) were related to dieting self-efficacy. In addition, the results suggested the mediational effect of dieting self-efficacy in the relationship between personality traits (i.e., consciousness and agreeableness) and general health behaviors.

The role of personality traits for dieting self-efficacy as well as physical health among emerging adult women was confirmed. As dieting self-efficacy turned out to be a mediation factor, the findings may be used in psychoeducation for patients.