Psychological and Socio-psychological Features of Personality with a Vegetarian Type of Eating Behavior

Introduction. Currently, vegetarianism is growing in popularity in most countries of the world. Meanwhile, research data on the psychological and socio-psychological characteristics of a person with a vegetarian type of eating behavior are not always unambiguous and vary depending on the variables of gender, age, various socio-demographic variables, as well as the motivation of a restrictive diet. Assessment of personality traits with a vegetarian type of eating behavior with conscious motivation will allow specialists to use an integrated approach in providing medical and psychological assistance to such clients. 

The purpose of this article is to identify the psychological and socio-psychological characteristics of a person with a vegetarian type of eating behavior who chose vegetarianism consciously as a vital principle of nonviolence and respect for animal rights.

Methods: theoretical analysis, meta-analysis, system and comparative analysis; ascertaining experiment, testing, survey; quantitative and qualitative analysis, methods of descriptive and inductive statistics; comparative and interpretative methods. The psychodiagnostic complex of techniques includes: the Kettell 16PF test (Form A); the questionnaire "Types of aggressiveness" was developed by L.G. Pochebut based on the Bass-Darky questionnaire; biographical questionnaire Biographisches Inventar zur Diagnose von Verhaltenstorungen (Bottscher, Jager, Lischer) adapted by V.A. Chiker. 

Results.  Data on a high level of neuroticism, as well as related data on high sensitivity, anxiety, expressiveness, tension, timidity, low self-esteem and self-control, weak psychophysical constitution of vegetarians were obtained. Socio-psychological characteristics of a person with a vegetarian type of eating behavior, namely, an assessment of the family situation, social status, parenting style in the parental family, indicate a tendency to less satisfaction with personal and social relationships among vegetarians compared with omnivores. An increased level of verbal and emotional aggression of vegetarians against people without food restrictions was revealed. Data on increased aggression of omnivores have not been confirmed. 

Conclusions. Psychological and socio-psychological characteristics of a person with a vegetarian type of eating behavior will allow specialists, doctors and psychologists to interact more competently with patients and clients when applying for opportunities and limitations to adhere to a certain diet. 

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