Personality Traits Are Associated with Dietary Behaviors and Psychosocial Outcomes in Adolescents with Celiac Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Celiac disease (CeD) requires strict lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), which can be particularly challenging during adolescence. This cross-sectional study examined associations between personality traits, dietary behaviors, and psychosocial well-being in adolescents with CeD.

METHODS

Fifty adolescents aged 14-17 years were recruited from a U.S. CeD referral center. Personality traits (Big Five Inventory), gluten-free diet adherence (CDAT), maladaptive eating behaviors (CD-FAB), quality of life (CDPQOL), anxiety (STAI-C), and depression (CES-DC) were measured.

RESULTS

Participants were mostly female (76%), with a mean age of 15.2 years. Sixty-two percent demonstrated good or excellent GFD adherence (CDAT < 13). Overall QOL was rated as "good" (mean CDPQOL: 62.8 out of 100). Maladaptive food attitudes and behaviors were common (mean CD-FAB: 32.0), and about one-third reported anxiety or depression symptoms. Poorer GFD adherence was associated with lower conscientiousness (β = - 0.44, p = .02). More maladaptive food attitudes and behaviors were associated with higher openness (β = 0.45, p = .01). Lower QOL was associated with higher openness (β = - 6.08, p = .011). Increased trait anxiety was associated with higher neuroticism (β = 6.12, p < .001). Increased depressive symptoms were associated with higher neuroticism (β = 4.21, p = .006) and lower extraversion (β = - 2.42, p = .043).

CONCLUSION

Higher openness may make a GFD feel more restrictive, lower conscientiousness may hinder GFD adherence planning, and higher neuroticism may increase anxiety and depression risk. Personality-informed counseling could help clinicians tailor support to improve adherence and well-being.