Personality Determinants of Eating Behaviours among an Elite Group of Polish Athletes Training in Team Sports

Abstract

The nutritional behaviours of athletes are determined by environmental and individual factors. The aim of the research was to analyse the personality determinants of the eating behaviour among an elite group of Polish athletes training in team sports. The research was conducted among 213 athletes, using a proprietary validated nutritional behaviour questionnaire and the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness-Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R Personality Inventory). Statistical analysis was performed with the use of Pearson’s linear and Spearman’s signed rank correlation coefficients, as well as multiple regression evaluation, assuming the significance level of α= 0.05 It was shown that the overall index of proper eating behaviour increased with increasing neuroticism (r = 0.132) and decreased with increasing openness to experience (r = −0.143). When assessing individual nutritional behaviours, it was indicated, among others, that with increasing neuroticism, athletes more often avoided energy drinks (R = 0.173), and with increasing extraversion, they more frequently consumed vegetables at least twice a day (R = 0.154). At the same time, the consumption of raw vegetables (R = −0.153), 2–3 portions of vegetables and fruit per day (R = −0.157) and the limitation of sweet and salty snacks (R = −0.152) decreased along with an increase in openness. On the other hand, with increasing conscientiousness, the regular consumption of meals (R = 0.186), dairy products (R = 0.143) and the reduction of sweet and salty snacks (R = 0.148) increased. The model built on the basis of the Big Five personality traits explained, to a very large extent (approx. 99%), variance concerning the general index of normal eating behaviour among athletes. The predictive significance of the personality traits presented in the Big Five model was demonstrated in relation to the quality of nutritional choices among Polish athletes competitively training in team sports, which may be used to personalise the dietary education of athletes.

Comparison of Nutrition among Female Floorball Players of Extra-Class Teams from Poland and the Czech Republic during the Preparation Period for the League Season

“…In addition, it is advisable to eat an adequate number of regular meals (a minimum of 3 per day), to consume 2–3 portions of vegetables and 1–2 portions of fruit and to ensure a good supply of milk and dairy products (2 per day). Attention is also drawn to the consumption of whole-grain cereal products twice a day and ensuring an adequate fish intake (1–2 times a week) [ 32 ].…”

“…More sound knowledge may have translated into their nutrition choices. There are many studies on athletes’ food intake and eating behaviour [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. However, there is a need for more thorough research on a group such as university hockey players.…”

Personality Determinants Related to the Use of Selective and Effective Dietary Supplements by Elite Polish Team Sport Athletes

“…In turn, among competitive athletes, it was shown that individuals with a higher level of available optimism showed more rational nutritional choices and more frequent probiotic use [ 40 ]. The studies also allowed the confirmation of a relationship between personality traits, diet quality and the nutritional behaviour of athletes, including players training in team sports [ 22 , 23 , 48 ] and physical education students, also presenting increased levels of physical activity [ 69 ]. These studies, despite some ambiguity in their results, also allowed the confirmation of a positive relationship between low neuroticism and a higher level of the pro-healthy diet index.…”

“…However, with the intensification of neuroticism (and its sub-scales: anxiety, depression, hostility and shyness), the health-promoting quality of the diet decreased [ 48 ]. The elite group of Polish athletes training in team sports also indicated the positive predictive significance of conscientiousness with regard to more rational nutritional behaviour, including regular consumption of meals and dairy products, as well as limiting sweet and salty snacks [ 22 ]. Among the high-class team sport players, the negative predictive significance of neuroticism and agreeableness for the quality of peri-exercise nutritional behaviour was found [ 23 ].…”

“…In our previous works, the predictive significance of personality traits in athletes’ nutrition was demonstrated. Described, among others, was the relationship of low neuroticism and high conscientiousness with more rational eating behaviours of team sport athletes [ 22 , 23 ].…”