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Personality and Temperament

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Book cover Behavioral Neurobiology of Eating Disorders

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 6))

Abstract

The assessment of personality and temperament in the context of eating disorders (EDs) poses unique challenges because of the physiological symptoms and sequelae of these illnesses. Four models of the relationship between personality and EDs are presented, along with a discussion of the different methodological designs which can evaluate these models. Current data support the likelihood that neuroticism and perfectionism are risk factors for EDs. Perfectionism and the related obsessive–compulsive personality disorder may also share a common cause with anorexia nervosa. High harm avoidance and low self-directedness also characterize all EDs, though more data are needed to confirm their role as risk factors; importantly however, this combination of traits may diminish one’s ability to cope with stressful life events. At the other end of the spectrum, considering impulsivity multidimensionally may be important to understanding the role of this personality trait in EDs, though existing data do not yet allow for conclusions regarding its role as a risk factor versus a consequence of the ED. All of the identified traits that may be risk factors are also exacerbated as a consequence of having, or having had, an ED. Finally, the role of personality disorders in influencing the course and outcome of EDs is still unclear. A fruitful avenue for future research in this area is to utilize personality and temperament to classify individuals in a way that allows for the best chance of identifying genetic loci that confer increased risk for EDs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Psychology Program, Argosy University, 1550 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209, Washington, DC, USA

    Lisa Rachelle Riso Lilenfeld

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  1. Lisa Rachelle Riso Lilenfeld
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Correspondence to Lisa Rachelle Riso Lilenfeld .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neuroscience, Dept. Pharmacology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of, Universiteitsweg 100, Utrecht, 3508 AB, Netherlands

    Roger A.H. Adan

  2. Dept. Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla Drive 8950, La Jolla, 92037, California, USA

    Walter H. Kaye

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Lilenfeld, L.R.R. (2010). Personality and Temperament. In: Adan, R., Kaye, W. (eds) Behavioral Neurobiology of Eating Disorders. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 6. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2010_86

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