Comparison of sociotropic-autonomic personality traits, empathy tendencies and aggression behaviors of vegetarian and non-vegetarian individuals

The aim of this study was to compare sociotropic-autonomic personality characteristics, empathy tendencies and aggressive behaviors of vegetarian individuals with non-vegetarian individuals. In the research conducted within the framework of quantitative and descriptive method, 120 vegetarian and 120 non-vegetarian participants residing in Istanbul were surveyed. Sociodemographic Information Form, Sociotropy-Autonomy Scale, Empathic Tendency Scale and Aggression Scale are included in the questionnaire used. The t-test was applied to compare the data of vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Regression was used to examine the interaction of personality traits, empathy tendency and aggressive attitudes. The findings were evaluated at 95% confidence interval and 5% significance level. According to the findings of the study, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups had autonomic personality traits; The vegetarian's sociotropy and autonomy scores were significantly higher than those of non-vegetarians. The empathetic tendencies of vegetarians are higher than those of non-vegetarians. Non-vegetarian's physical aggression, anger, hostility and indirect aggression are significantly higher than vegetarians. Verbal aggressions of vegetarians are higher than non-vegetarians. In this respect, it is suggested that studies should be conducted to create awareness that vegetarianism, which is seen only as a form of nutrition in society, is actually a way of life.