**3. Results**

There were no significant differences in mean scores on the personality traits of extroversion (p = 0.69) between cases (M = 1.54, SD = 0.91) and controls (M = 1.48, SD = 0, 71), as well as for trait of neuroticism (p = 0.17) for both groups (M = 1.20 and 1.42, SD = 0.99 and 0.88 for cases and controls respectively) as shown in Table 1.


Table 1. Means, Standard Deviation and compared means for personality in case and control groups.

However, although no significant differences were observed between the means of the personality traits, the data demonstrated a differential influence of these on coping strategies according to the group, as shown in Table 2. Table 2 shows Spearman correlation between coping strategies and personality traits neuroticism and extraversion for case and controls.


\* Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).

Table 2**.** Spearman correlation between coping strategies and personality traits neuroticism and extraversion for case and controls.

The study was approved by the ethics in the human research committee and followed all the ethical procedures of the APA. The instrument application occurred collectively in the participants' classroom, coordinated by the researchers in charge. Data analysis was

There were no significant differences in mean scores on the personality traits of extroversion (p = 0.69) between cases (M = 1.54, SD = 0.91) and controls (M = 1.48, SD = 0, 71), as well as for trait of neuroticism (p = 0.17) for both groups (M = 1.20 and 1.42, SD = 0.99 and 0.88 for

**Personality Group Means SD F p.** 

Control 1,48 0,71

Control 1,42 0,88

Table 1. Means, Standard Deviation and compared means for personality in case and control

However, although no significant differences were observed between the means of the personality traits, the data demonstrated a differential influence of these on coping strategies according to the group, as shown in Table 2. Table 2 shows Spearman correlation between coping strategies and personality traits neuroticism and extraversion for case and

Logical Analysis ,248 ,075 ,000 -,125 Positive Reappraisal ,284\* -,149 ,287 -,117 Seeking Guidance ,361\* -,088 ,323\* -,084 Problem Solving ,314\* -,197 ,088 -,120 Cognitive Avoidance -,252 -,105 ,038 -,114 Acceptance/Resignation -,106 ,274 ,157 -,077

Reward ,356\* -,155 ,314\* -,179 Emotional Descharge ,052 ,086 ,137 -,051

Table 2**.** Spearman correlation between coping strategies and personality traits neuroticism

Case 1,54 0,91 0,16 0,69

Case 1,20 0,99 1,88 0,17

**case Control Extroversion Neuroticism Extroversion Neuroticism** 

performed using the statistical package SPSS for Windows version 19.0.

cases and controls respectively) as shown in Table 1.

**2.3 Procedures** 

**3. Results** 

Extroversion

Neuroticism

**Escalas de Coping** 

Seeking Alternative

\* Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).

and extraversion for case and controls.

groups.

controls.

 

In the case group, the personality trait of extroversion is associated with coping strategies such as positive reappraisal (r = 0.28, p <0.05), social support (r = 0.36, p <0.05), problem solving (r = 0.31, p <0.05) and seeking alternative reward (r = 0.36, p <0.05). In the control group, however, the extroversion trait is only associated with coping strategies as social support (r = 0.32, p <0.05) and seeking alternative reward (r = 0.31, p <0.05),.

Table 3 shows data from compared mean between case and control groups for problem appraisal.


Table 3. Mean, Standard Deviation and Compared mean between case and controls for problem appraisal.

The control group tends to evaluate having enough time to prepare to cope with the problem significantly more (p = 0.03) than the case group (m = 1.55 and 1.11, SD = 1.13 and 1,29 for the case and control group respectively). They also tend to evaluate that the problem was solved (p=0,08, F=3,30) and that everything is all right now (p=0,05, F=4,07) in levels higher than did the case group (m= 1,57 and 1,18, SD= 1,25 and 1,32 for control and case group respectively for if the problem was solved; m= 1,87 and 1,47, SD=1,10 and 1,30 for control and case group respectively for everything is all right now).

Personality and Coping in Groups With and Without Bulimic Behaviors 187

may have contributed to minimize the statistical effect of this difference between the groups. Therefore studies with a larger number of subjects and using other instruments could demonstrate a significant difference, since this study uses a small sample size and a cross sectional data collection. However, beside that, data shows that bulimic subjects are less neurotic and more extroverted when compared with general population. That is of interesting especially because, in some sense, it demonstrate a common sense that obese people are more extroverted than others. That could be of interested for future studies. Nevertheless, the data seems to indicate that, although this difference was not significant between both groups, the influence of personality traits on the perception of the problem as well as on ways of coping with problems occurs differentially. Thus, although no significant difference was observed between personality traits of both groups, this small difference seems to produce differential relations in perceptions and behaviors of individuals when dealing with their problems. The data is discussed in the light of coping and personality theories. We also discuss the need for psychological interventions based on the development

We also discuss the need for psychological interventions directed towards the care of patients with bulimia that direct their aims to the development of coping abilities, which will widen their behavioral repertoire regarding ways of facing problems, and which may lead to changes in the ways of perceiving and relating to the environment, as well as higher assertiveness in order to develop a stronger emotional self-control and self-confidence.

Binford, R. B. (2003). Implementation and predictive capacity of CBT Coping in individuals

Blumenthal, J. A., Babyak, M. A., Carney, R. M., Keefe, F. J., Davis, R. D., LaCaille,

Castilho, Simone Mancini, Gonçalves, Simone Brunhani, Leite, Marcos da Costa, Segal,

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of coping skills and geared towards the care of patients with bulimia.

**5. References** 

535-544.

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Table 4 shows data from Spearman correlation between personality trait and problem appraisal for case and control groups.

In the control group, the personality trait of neuroticism is associated with the appraisal of the problem as a threat. Thus, in this group, individuals with higher neuroticism personality trait tend to appraise more experiencing the problem as a threat (r = 0.20, p <0.05).

In the group of cases, however, the personality trait of extroversion was positively associated with the evaluation that the problem is already solved (r = 0.26, p <0.05) and if it is solved, things are alright (r = 0.39, p <0.01), while the personality trait neuroticism was negatively associated with the evaluation that, once the problem is solved, things will already be alright (r = - 0.31, p <0, 05). Thus, in the group case, a higher score on the personality traits of extroversion is associated with a perception that problems are solved and once solved, things are going well, while those individuals belonging to this group with the highest scores in trait neuroticism tend to evaluate that, although having solved the problem, things are not going well again.


\* significant at a level of p≤ 0,05.

\*\* significant at a level of p≤ 0,01.

Table 4. Spearman correlation between assessment of the problem and personality traits neuroticism and extraversion for case and controls.

#### **4. Conclusion**

In Psychology, the idea of an association between eating disorders and personality traits has already been demonstrated (Binford, 2003; Gongora, Guedes, Albuquerque , Troccoli, Noriega, & Guedes, 2006; Rebelo & Leal, 2007). However, this study found no significant differences between the personality traits of people with and without bulimic behaviors. Despite the fact the differences do not present statistically representative values within the averages found in this study, it can be postulated that the size of the clinical sample used may have contributed to minimize the statistical effect of this difference between the groups. Therefore studies with a larger number of subjects and using other instruments could demonstrate a significant difference, since this study uses a small sample size and a cross sectional data collection. However, beside that, data shows that bulimic subjects are less neurotic and more extroverted when compared with general population. That is of interesting especially because, in some sense, it demonstrate a common sense that obese people are more extroverted than others. That could be of interested for future studies.

Nevertheless, the data seems to indicate that, although this difference was not significant between both groups, the influence of personality traits on the perception of the problem as well as on ways of coping with problems occurs differentially. Thus, although no significant difference was observed between personality traits of both groups, this small difference seems to produce differential relations in perceptions and behaviors of individuals when dealing with their problems. The data is discussed in the light of coping and personality theories. We also discuss the need for psychological interventions based on the development of coping skills and geared towards the care of patients with bulimia.

We also discuss the need for psychological interventions directed towards the care of patients with bulimia that direct their aims to the development of coping abilities, which will widen their behavioral repertoire regarding ways of facing problems, and which may lead to changes in the ways of perceiving and relating to the environment, as well as higher assertiveness in order to develop a stronger emotional self-control and self-confidence.

#### **5. References**

186 New Insights into the Prevention and Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa

Table 4 shows data from Spearman correlation between personality trait and problem

In the control group, the personality trait of neuroticism is associated with the appraisal of the problem as a threat. Thus, in this group, individuals with higher neuroticism personality

In the group of cases, however, the personality trait of extroversion was positively associated with the evaluation that the problem is already solved (r = 0.26, p <0.05) and if it is solved, things are alright (r = 0.39, p <0.01), while the personality trait neuroticism was negatively associated with the evaluation that, once the problem is solved, things will already be alright (r = - 0.31, p <0, 05). Thus, in the group case, a higher score on the personality traits of extroversion is associated with a perception that problems are solved and once solved, things are going well, while those individuals belonging to this group with the highest scores in trait neuroticism tend to evaluate that, although having solved the

Previous experience with the problem 0,22 0,11 0,95 -0,01 Knowing the problem would happen 0,28 -0,14 0,01 0,20

the problem 0,17 -0,13 0,15 -0,01 Thinking on the problem as a threat 0,18 0,11 0,12 0,20\* Thinking on the problem as a challenge0,25 -0,06 0,14 0,03 If the problem were caused by yourself 0,07 0,21 -0,01 -0,08 If the problem were caused by another person -0,11 0,12 -0,08 0,00 Positive consequences of facing the problem -0,03 -0,10 -0,03 0,08 If the problem were solved 0,26\* -0,15 0,10 -0,09 If it were solved, is everything all right? 0,39\*\* -0,31\* 0,06 -0,14

Table 4. Spearman correlation between assessment of the problem and personality traits

In Psychology, the idea of an association between eating disorders and personality traits has already been demonstrated (Binford, 2003; Gongora, Guedes, Albuquerque , Troccoli, Noriega, & Guedes, 2006; Rebelo & Leal, 2007). However, this study found no significant differences between the personality traits of people with and without bulimic behaviors. Despite the fact the differences do not present statistically representative values within the averages found in this study, it can be postulated that the size of the clinical sample used

**Extroversi on** 

**case Control** 

**Extrover sion** 

**Neuroti Cism** 

**Neuroti cism** 

trait tend to appraise more experiencing the problem as a threat (r = 0.20, p <0.05).

appraisal for case and control groups.

problem, things are not going well again.

**Appraisal questions** 

Having enough time to prepare to cope with

neuroticism and extraversion for case and controls.

\* significant at a level of p≤ 0,05. \*\* significant at a level of p≤ 0,01.

**4. Conclusion** 


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