Analysis of relationships between personality factors and the risk of Eating Disorders

Introduction: Regarding the origin of Eating Disorders, different psychological variables such as the personality, have been identified as risk factors for the onset and subsequent development of these pathologies. This study aimed to analyse the relationships between personality and different risk variables for the development of ED in the population of female students without disorders. Method: Participants included 627 women, Spanish university students, who completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Correlation and regression analyses were conducted in order to observe patterns of common variation among the variables, and to determine the contribution of the personality traits in the explanation of the variables. Results: Neuroticism correlated significantly with all scales and is the main predictor of the risk scales (drive for thinness, bulimia and body dissatisfaction), and the seven psychological scales. The remaining factors showed negative correlations with all of the scales. Extraversion was the main predictor variable in the explained variance of interpersonal insecurity and interpersonal alienation. In addition, conscientiousness and agreeableness demonstrated an effect on different scales in combination with other factors. Conclusion: The study sustained the importance of personality in the risk of developing ED. Neuroticism is the factor that is most closely related to the risk variables and psychological constructs which are conceptually relevant in the development and maintenance of these disorders. The study of personality should help in identifying at-risk populations, and will enable adopting solutions aimed at the prevention of ED.

Introducción: En el origen de los trastornos alimentarios han sido identificadas diferentes variables psicológicas como factores de riesgo, como la personalidad, para el inicio y posterior desarrollo de estas patologías. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las relaciones entre la personalidad y diferentes variables de riesgo para el desarrollo de trastornos alimentarios, en la población de mujeres universitarias sin trastornos. Método: Las participantes fueron 627 mujeres, estudiantes universitarias españolas, que completaron el Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) y el Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Se realizaron análisis de correlación y regresión para observar los patrones de variación común entre las variables y para determinar la contribución de los rasgos de personalidad en la explicación de las variables. Resultados: El neuroticismo correlacionó significativamente con todas las escalas, y fue la principal variable predictiva en la varianza explicada de las escalas de riesgo (obsesión por la delgadez, bulimia e insatisfacción corporal), y siete escalas psicológicas. Los rasgos de personalidad restantes mostraron correlaciones negativas con todas las escalas. Extraversión fue la principal variable predictora de la varianza explicada de inseguridad interpersonal y alienación personal. Además, responsabilidad y amabilidad mostraron efecto en combinación con otros factores en diferentes variables. Conclusión: El estudio apoyó la importancia de la personalidad en el riesgo de desarrollar trastornos alimentarios. El neuroticismo es el factor que más se relaciona con las variables de riesgo y constructos psicológicos conceptualmente relevantes en el desarrollo y mantenimiento de estos trastornos. El estudio de la personalidad debería ayudar a identificar a las poblaciones de riesgo y adoptar soluciones dirigidas a la prevención.

Personality Traits and Risk of Eating Disorders in Men: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Eating disorders (EDs) have been understudied and misunderstood in men. Among the relevant factors in the risk, onset, and maintenance of EDs, personality stands out. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze the relationships between personality traits and risk variables for the development of EDs in men. A total of 443 male university students (mean = 22.16 years) who completed the Spanish versions of the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) participated. Correlation analyses were performed, and in order to determine the predictive role of personality traits on risk scales, a hierarchical multiple regression was performed. The results showed that neuroticism was positively associated with drive for thinness, being its main predictor variable. In bulimia, the main relationships were positively associated with neuroticism and negatively with conscientiousness. As for body dissatisfaction, the main predictor variables were neuroticism and, in a negative sense, extraversion and openness to experience. In conclusion, personality traits are related to the risk of developing EDs in male university students, with neuroticism being the main associated trait.

Exercise addiction in Mexico: Psychometric properties of the Exercise Addiction Inventory and risk analysis / Adicción al ejercicio en México: propiedades psicométricas del Exercise Addiction Inventory y análisis de riesgo

Abstract Introduction: The consequences of exercise addiction have a physical, psychological and social impact on the sports men and women, similar to others addictions, which can cause serious health problems. In Mexico its incidence and relevance are unknown, and there is no instrument for its evaluation. This study aims to analyse the psychometric properties of the Exercise Addiction Inventory in a Mexican context and examine its relevance to different groups of people who practice sport. Method: Participants consisted of 487 people who practice physical exercise or competitive sport, aged between 18 and 52, with a mean age of 22.04. The EAI was used, and reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and factorial invariance analysis were conducted. Differences between groups of participants were also tested. Results: The results demonstrated the unifactorial structure of instrument, with satisfactory goodness of fit indices, and its factorial invariance was confirmed. The reliability obtained was adequate. In addition, significant differences were found between men and women in relation to degree of addiction, there was a higher risk for athletes compared to regular exercise goers, and 26.5% of participants obtained scores that place them at a high risk of exercise addiction. Conclusions: It is concluded that EAI is an adequate and reliable instrument, with appropriate psychometric properties. In the studied population there is an excessively high rate of participants who present a high risk of addiction, and men and athletes are the most susceptible groups to develop an exercise addiction.

Resumen Introducción: Las consecuencias de la adicción al ejercicio físico impactan de manera física, psicológica y social en el practicante, de forma similar a otras adicciones, pudiendo ocasionar serios problemas para su salud. En México se desconoce su incidencia y relevancia, y no se dispone de instrumentos para su evaluación. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Exercise Addiction Inventory en el contexto mexicano, y examinar su relevancia en diferentes grupos de practicantes. Método: Participaron 487 practicantes de ejercicio físico o deporte competitivo, de edades entre 18 y 52 años, y una media de edad de 22.04 años. Se empleó el EAI, y se realizaron análisis de fiabilidad, análisis factorial confirmatorio y de invarianza factorial. También se comprobaron las diferencias entre grupos de participantes. Resultados: Los resultados demostraron la estructura unifactorial del instrumento, con índices de bondad y ajuste satisfactorios, y se confirma su invarianza factorial. La fiabilidad obtenida fue adecuada. Además, se encontraron diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres con relación al grado de adicción, mayor riesgo de los deportistas frente a practicantes habituales de ejercicio, y un 26.5% de participantes que obtienen puntuaciones que los sitúan en alto riesgo de adicción al ejercicio. Conclusiones: Se concluye que el EAI se muestra como un instrumento adecuado y fiable, con apropiadas propiedades psicométricas. En la población estudiada hay una tasa excesivamente alta de participantes que presentan un elevado riesgo de adicción, siendo los hombres y los deportistas los grupos con mayor susceptibilidad a padecerla.

Physical Sports Activities and Exercise Addiction during Lockdown in the Spanish Population.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the paralysis of the worldwide economy caused by the population's lockdown to stop the virus spreading, making it difficult to do exercise. The aim of this study is to analyse the commitment to and feeling of insecurity related to practising sport, sports habits and the profile of the Spanish population during lockdown according to the level of addiction to exercise. The sample consisted of 1019 subjects with a mean age of 35 years old. The variables analysed were exercise addiction, commitment to and feeling of insecurity related to sport, and sport habits. Three groups were identified according to their addiction level to exercise: asymptomatic (n = 202), symptomatic (n = 756), and at risk of addiction (n = 61). The main results indicated that a higher addiction level was associated with a higher number of days and time spent on exercise per week. Six percent of the subjects were at addiction risk, and they had a lower feeling of insecurity towards sport. These findings provide information to governments on the need to promote physical activity programmes at home to promote adequate fitness and mental wellbeing in the population.

Burnout, Positivity and Passion in Young Mexican Athletes: The Mediating Effect of Social Support.

The burnout syndrome is a negative experience for athlete development and it has been demonstrated that it gets worse when a sport is practiced in an obsessive way. Interventions with a positive view towards sports could be a protective factor to boost the athlete's wellbeing. The aim of the present study was to analyse the mediator effect from social support, the relationship between the burnout, positivity and passion in young Mexican athletes. The sample was composed by 452 Mexican athletes, males and females (women 45%), from 12 to 18 years of age (M = 16.29, SD = 1.66). Participants answered the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, The Scale of the Social Support Perceived by Athletes, the Passion Scale and the Positivity Scale. The results of structural equation modeling showed a good adjustment model (χ2 = 889.213; df = 274; χ2/df = 3.245; p ˂ 0.01; CFI = 0.93; TLI = 0.91; IFI = 0.94; NFI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.07). The harmonious passion presented direct and indirect effects on the burnout, being the perceived social support the mediator variable of the indirect effect. The positivity resulted positive predictor from the social support (ß = 0.714, p ˂ 0.001) and social support predicted the burnout (ß = -0.270, p ˂ 0.005). The obsessive passion had a direct effect over burnout (ß = 0.627, p ˂ 0.001). Developing negative commitments to sports could be an indicator of a greater risk of experiencing individual conflicts that lead to sports burnout.

Motives and Commitment to Sport in Amateurs during Confinement: A Segmentation Study.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has paralysed whole countries, which have had to confine their entire population and this changed people's lives worldwide. The aim of this study is to identify the reasons for and the level of commitment to physical activity among the Spanish population during confinement and the return to the "new normal". A sample of 1025 amateurs, 534 males and 491 females with an average age of 35 years old were interviewed using an online survey that collected their motives for practising sport and their commitment to physical activity. A cluster analysis combining hierarchical and non-hierarchical methods was performed, identifying three groups of amateurs: High Commitment (n = 650), Moderate Commitment (n = 324), and Low Commitment (n = 81). The main motives shown by the different groups were psychological motives related to an improved or managed general or emotional well-being. Regarding commitment, all the groups showed higher scores in enthusiasm for physical activity than affliction from sport. The variables referring to gender, educational level and sports habits showed differences that enabled the identification of the different groups. These findings highlight the importance of conducting segmentation studies that provide specific population profiles to improve the action strategies of governments and specialists.

Dimensión psicológica en el proceso de formación del luchador olímpico español / Psychological dimension in the formation process of the Spanish Olympic wrestler

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer cómo se ha llevado a cabo el trabajo psicológico en el proceso de formación deportiva de los luchadores olímpicos españoles. Partiendo de un enfoque cualitativo, el instrumento utilizado fue una entrevista semi-estructurada, la cual se aplicó a 21 luchadores olímpicos. Los resultados muestran que los deportistas conceden gran importancia a los factores psicológicos en su disciplina, y que son fundamentales en la etapa de alta competición para alcanzar la excelencia. Consideran la motivación y la autoconfianza como las variables psicológicas más significativas en el rendimiento deportivo y predictoras del éxito en lucha. También se valoran aspectos necesarios como la capacidad de sacrificio, constancia, disciplina y perseverancia. Estiman que no han trabajado adecuadamente los aspectos psicológicos, y solo en épocas recientes se ha incorporado la figura del psicólogo deportivo a su entrenamiento

The aim of this study was to know how psychological work has been carried out in sports training process of Spanish Olympic wrestlers. From a qualitative perspective, the instrument used was a semi-structured interview, which was applied to 21 Olympic wrestlers. The results show that athletes attach great importance to psychological factors in their discipline, and that they are essential at the high competition stage to achieve excellence.They consider motivation and self-confidence as the most significant psychological variables in sports performance, and predictors of wrestling success. Also necessary aspects such as a capacity for self-sacrifice, constancy, discipline and perseverance are valued. They estimate that psychological aspects have not been properly trained, and only in recent times has the figure of the sports psychologist been incorporated into their training

Diferencias de personalidad y en variables psicológicas relacionadas con el riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria / Personality differences and psychological variables related to the risk of eating disorders

Determinadas variables psicológicas y la personalidad son consideradas como factores predisponentes o influyentes para el posterior desarrollo de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, así como también la puesta en práctica de determinados comportamientos de riesgo, como los atracones, vómitos o la práctica de ejercicio físico excesivo para la pérdida de peso. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar las diferencias en personalidad y variables psicológicas relevantes relacionadas con los TCA, en mujeres y hombres, a partir del cumplimiento de criterios específicos a partir de los cuales se recomienda la derivación a un especialista en patologías alimentarias. En el estudio participaron 604 estudiantes universitarios, y se emplearon el Inventario de Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria (EDI-3) y su cuestionario de remisión (EDI-3 RF), y el Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Los resultados mostraron que hasta el 58.5% de mujeres y 49.5% de hombres cumplen criterios de remisión. Tanto en mujeres como en hombres, existen diferencias entre los grupos con criterios y quienes no los presentan, principalmente en neuroticismo, obsesión por la delgadez, bulimia, insatisfacción corporal y ascetismo. Las puntuaciones en el factor neuroticismo y en la gran mayoría de escalas psicológicas son también superiores en los sujetos que cumplen con mayor número de criterios

Certain psychological variables and personality are considered as predisposing or influential factors for the subsequent development of eating disorders. Also the implementation of some risk behaviors, such as binge eating, vomiting or excessive physical exercise for weight loss. The aim of the study was to compare the differences in personality and relevant psychological variables related to eating disorders, in women and men, based on compliance with specific criteria to help identify individuals with potential eating disorders. Participants were 604 university students. The Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and Referral Form (EDI-3 RF), and the Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) were used. The results showed that up to 58.5% of women and 49.5% of men met remission criteria. In both women and men, there are differences between groups with criteria and those who do not, mainly in neuroticism, drive for thinness, bulimia, body dissatisfaction and asceticism. The scores in the neuroticism factor and in the great majority of psychological scales are also higher in students that accomplish the highest number of criterio

Insatisfacción corporal, conductas de riesgo para trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en universitarios / Body dissatisfaction, risk behaviors eating disorders in university students

Resumen: La insatisfacción corporal supone la presencia de juicios valorativos sobre el cuerpo que usualmente no coinciden con las características reales del individuo. Uno de los principales métodos para el control del peso y de la figura corporal suele ser la realización de conductas alimentarias de riesgo, una amplia variedad de comportamientos negativos y perjudiciales para el individuo. Ambos constituyen factores clave en el origen y desarrollo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA). El objetivo del estudio es analizar las diferencias en una serie de variables psicológicas vinculadas con los TCA respecto a la satisfacción o insatisfacción corporal y las conductas de riesgo adoptadas en una muestra de adultos universitarios. Mediante la aplicación del Inventario de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (EDI-3) de Garner, los resultados indican un mayor riesgo de TCA (obsesión por la delgadez, bulimia, insatisfacción corporal) de los sujetos con insatisfacción corporal, y mayores puntuaciones en baja autoestima, alienación personal, inseguridad interpersonal, déficits introceptivos, desajuste emocional, ascetismo y miedo a la madurez. Respecto a las conductas de riesgo, los individuos que presentan mayor número de conductas de riesgo muestran igualmente mayor riesgo de TCA, baja autoestima, déficits introceptivos, desajuste emocional, perfeccionismo y ascetismo.

Abstract: Body dissatisfaction implies appreciatory body judgments that are different from real characteristics of individuals' body. One of the most important method to control weight and body shape is to be involved in eating risk behaviours, which includes a great amount of negative and damaging behaviours for the individual. Both factors (body dissatisfaction and eating risk behaviours) constitute key elements in the beginning and development of Eating Disorders (ED). The aim of the present study was to analyse differences in some psychological variables attending to body dissatisfaction and eating risk behaviours informed by a sample of university adults. Using Garner's Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) results point out a higher risk of ED (drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction and bulimia) in those individuals with body dissatisfaction, and also higher scores of low self-esteem, personal alienation, interpersonal insecurity, interoceptive deficits, emotional dysregulation, asceticism and maturity fears. Attending to eating risk behaviours, individuals who informed more risk behaviours showed more risk of ED, low self-esteem, interoceptive deficits, emotional dysregulation, perfectionism and asceticism.

PAHA study: psychological active and healthy aging: psychological wellbeing, proactive attitude and happiness effects of whole-body vibration versus Multicomponent Training in aged women: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence demonstrates that physical exercise and psychological wellbeing are closely interlinked, particularly in older-aged women. However, research investigating how different forms of exercise influence mental health in older-aged women is underdeveloped. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial (N = 300) will assess the relative effectiveness of two different exercise programs (whole-body vibration and Multicomponent Training) for improving psychological wellbeing in older-aged women. The following outcomes will be assessed at three time points (that is, pre, post, and follow-up): psychological wellbeing, proactive attitude, quality of life, and happiness. DISCUSSION: Results will have important implications for preventing psychological and physiological disease in older-aged women and for managing health-related costs for this population group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Number NCT01966562 on Clinical Gov database the 8 October 2013.

Rendimiento físico y psicológico en lucha olímpica: predictores del éxito en lucha femenina / Physical and psychological wrestling performance: success predictors in female Olympic wrestling

Este estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar los componentes del rendimiento físico, psicológico y antropométrico relacionado con el éxito en lucha olímpica femenina. Treinta y cinco mujeres luchadoras de la especialidad de Libre Olímpica Femenina fueron divididas en dos grupos de acuerdo a su nivel competitivo: Élite (n=13) y Amateur (n=22). Todos los sujetos fueron sometidos a una valoración antropométrica, a una completa batería de test físicos (test de fuerza dinámica e isométrica máxima, potencia muscular, test Wingate de brazos, velocidad de desplazamiento y test de extensibilidad isquiosural) así como una valoración de sus características psicológicas asociadas al rendimiento deportivo mediante el Inventario Psicológico de Ejecución Deportiva. Las luchadoras de élite presentaron niveles superiores en edad, experiencia en el entrenamiento, fuerza dinámica e isométrica máxima, potencia mecánica máxima, potencia y capacidad anaeróbica del test Wingate, así como valores inferiores en masa grasa. Las luchadoras de élite mostraron igualmente autopercepciones significativamente superiores en la escala de autoconfianza en relación a las luchadoras amateur. Estos resultados sugieren que la optimización del metabolismo anaeróbico y neuromuscular, así como determinadas habilidades psicológicas asociadas al rendimiento deportivo son condicionales y por lo tanto predictoras del éxito en lucha olímpica femenina (AU)

This study was undertaken to determine differences in physical, psychological and body composition variables related to success in female Olympic wrestling. Thirty five female freestyle wrestlers were assigned into two groups according to their competitive level: Elite (n=13) and Amateur (n=22). All subjects underwent an anthropometric assessment, a complete physical fitness test battery (maximal dynamic and isometric strength, muscle power output, crank-arm Wingate test, running speed and hamstring extensibility) as well as psychological characteristics assessment associated with sport performance through the Psychological Performance Inventory. Elite wrestlers were older, had more training experience, maximal dynamic and isometric strength, muscle power, mean and peak power during the crank-arm Wingate test, as well as lower percent body fat values. Furthermore, elite wrestlers showed significantly higher self-perceptions in the self-confidence scale. The present results suggest that several neuromuscular, anaerobic and psychological performance markers can be consider such as success predictors in female Olympic wrestling (AU)