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.