Being eco-sustainable eaters: the role of chronotype and HEXACO personality traits.

BACKGROUND

Chronotype and temperament are stable individual traits that influence behaviors such as eating habits. This research examined their impact on an eco-sustainable diet, characterized by a high intake of plant-based foods and reduced consumption of animal products.

METHODS

A total of 738 Italian individuals were surveyed regarding their eating habits using a specific food frequency questionnaire. Individual chronotype was assessed via the revised Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), while personality traits were measured according to the HEXACO Adjective Scales. The contribution of these factors to the adoption of an eco-sustainable diet was analyzed using hierarchical binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

In our sample, a substantial majority (N = 592; 80.22%) reported a non-eco-sustainable diet, with only 146 participants (19.78%) reporting an eco-sustainable diet. Key predictors of an increased likelihood of adhering to an eco-sustainable diet included being female (OR = 3.05, 95% CI [1.85, 5.03]), a greater preference for morningness (OR = 1.08, 95% CI [1.01, 1.14]), higher levels of Agreeableness (OR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.09, 1.86]), and increased Openness to Experience (OR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.23, 2.07]). Conversely, higher scores in Honesty-Humility (OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.49, 0.97]), Extraversion (OR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.67, 0.96]), and increasing age (OR = 0.98, 95% CI [0.97, 1.00]) were associated with reduced odds.

CONCLUSION

Both chronobiology and personality traits may significantly influence an individual's inclination toward eco-sustainable dietary choices. The intrinsic characteristics of Agreeableness and Openness to Experience, but not those associated with Honesty-Humility and Extraversion, may facilitate individuals in addressing the contextual challenges of adopting an eco-sustainable diet.