Obesity, personality traits and psychological distress: a case control study

Abstract

This study examined if the individuals with obesity differ from normal weight individuals concerning the psychological distress and personality traits. The NEO Five Factor Inventory Revised (NEO-FFI-R), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and a sociodemographic questionnaire have been applied in 136 individuals, divided in case group (obeses) and control group (normal weight). Data were analyzed quantitatively through descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-squared test, Fisher exact test and Student’s t-test). The results demonstrated that obese presented higher psychological distress, with higher scores in GSI, Somatization, Hostility and Interpersonal Sensitivity dimensions. In personality traits, statistically significant differences between the groups were not found, however, the conscientiousness was lower in the obese group, suggesting potential association to obesity. The findings of this study indicate the necessity of personalized treatments to obese.