Personality and Positive Body Image

Abstract: Although previous studies have suggested reliable associations between personality traits and body image outcomes, the bulk of this research has been conducted in Western nations. As cultural factors may affect relationships between personality and outcome variables, the present study examined associations between the Big Five personality traits and body appreciation (i.e., a facet of positive body image) in a sample of Malaysian adults. A total of 782 adults (465 women and 317 men) completed an online survey consisting of measures of body appreciation, the Big Five personality traits, and demographic items. Linear model analysis indicated that body appreciation was significantly and negatively associated with Neuroticism while positively associated with Conscientiousness and Agreeableness respectively. Associations between body appreciation and Openness and Extraversion were not significant, nor was the moderating effect of gender. The findings replicate the previously reported negative association between Neuroticism and body appreciation and also suggest that associations with the other Big Five facets may be shaped by cultural contexts.