Researchers from the Humboldt University of Berlin examined how personality patterns, particularly those associated with the dark triad—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—relate to eating habits, especially the likelihood of adopting healthier or vegan diets. The analysis found that individuals scoring high on dark triad traits are less inclined to pursue healthier eating patterns and vegan choices, and they recognize substantial obstacles to making such a transition. The study, which adds to a growing body of work on diet and environmental impact, appears in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and underscores the challenge of changing personal food behavior in the face of strong personality factors.
The researchers highlighted that people exhibiting these traits tend to resist environmentally friendly eating patterns and perceive notable barriers to reducing meat consumption. They framed the results within a broader context of environmental responsibility, noting that reducing the production and consumption of animal products can contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The authors suggested that understanding these motivational barriers is essential for crafting more targeted approaches to encourage sustainable eating and to support broader efforts in addressing climate change through individual dietary choices. This work adds clarity to the debate about how personal psychology intersects with environmental advocacy and dietary shifts, pointing toward strategies that take personality differences into account when promoting healthier, planet-friendly eating habits.
Study participants were recruited via social media channels, resulting in a sample of 1300 individuals with an average age around 27. The cohort comprised 64 percent who identified as omnivores, 28 percent as vegetarians, and 8 percent as vegans. Over the course of one month, participants maintained detailed food diaries and completed a suite of psychological assessments designed to profile their enduring personality traits. While the data provide insight into the interplay between dark triad characteristics and dietary choices, the authors emphasize that lifestyle decisions are influenced by a complex mix of personal values, social norms, and access to alternatives. The work invites further investigation into how public health messaging and environmental campaigns can be tailored to resonate with different personality profiles while supporting healthier and more sustainable eating patterns across populations.