Investigation of the relationship between the enneagram personality types and food choice

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the Enneagram personality types on the food choices of individuals. A total of 987 participants (848 females; %85,9 and 139 men; %14,1) older than 18 years old were enrolled. It was determined that the highest rate of Enneagram personality types distribution of 987 participants in the study was TYPE 4 (23.2%; n=229) and TYPE 2 (18.5%; n=185), respectively. In the current study, strong significant relationships were found between Enneagram personality types and food choices. It was found that the Enneagram TYPE 2 personality exhibited the highest correlation with mood (r=0,305; p<0,01), appropriateness (r=0,208; p<0,01), sensory appearance (r=0,259; p<0,01), and price (r=0,165; p<0,01) sub-dimensions in terms of food preferences. The highest level of relationship with the sub-dimensions of health (r=0,239; p<0,01), weight control (r=0,218; p<0,01) and ethical concerns (r=0,225; p<0,01) were associated with TYPE 3 personality. Consistent with the literature, food choices of type 2 and type 9 personalities were found to be related with emotional eating. Slightly obese (20.0%) and obese (22.2%) BMI levels were determined to be highest in women with TYPE 2 personality type. It is thought that the findings of the current study provide evidence that food choices are influenced by the Enneagram personality traits. TYPE 2 personality make food choices by giving importance to mood and sensory appearance; It is seen that TYPE 6 personality choose foods they are familiar with. It is observed that food choices are significantly affected by demographic data such as age range, income level and marital status. Further studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between the Enneagram personality traits and factors effecting food preferences of individuals. Keywords: Enneagram, Food Choice, Personality Types, Eating Behavior