0018 Extroversion Predicts Higher Evening Caloric Intake

Abstract Introduction Personality has been shown to predict health-related outcomes, including eating behavior. However, the findings on extroversion and caloric intake have been inconsistent. This study sought to examine whether trait extroversion predicted total caloric intake, as well as calories from specific macronutrients, at different times of day during a sleep deprivation protocol. Methods Participants (n=46; 23 women) conducted a baseline personality assessment before completing a 30-hour sleep deprivation protocol a week later. The laboratory visit began at 6pm, and participants departed the following day at 2pm. While in the lab, participants completed serial neurocognitive assessments and engaged in ad libitum feeding. Caloric intake was assessed in 6-hour bins from 6pm (start of laboratory protocol) until 12am, 12am-6am, and 6am-12pm. Multivariate regression models were used with extroversion as the primary predictor (assessed via NEO Personality Inventory scores) and primary outcomes including total caloric intake, calories from total carbohydrates, sugars, protein, total fat, saturated fat, and transfats. Models were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and chronotype (assessed using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ)). Results The fitted regression model with extroversion as the primary predictor and food variables as outcomes was statistically significant for total carbohydrates (F(4,40) = 3.153; R2 = 0.164; p = 0.024) and total calories (F(4,40) = 3.179; R2 = 0.165; p = 0.023) consumed between 6pm and midnight, adjusted for age, sex, and BMI. Extroversion was positively associated with greater total carbohydrates (β (3.148) = p < 0.0174) and greater total calories (β (22.088) = p < 0.0057) consumed between 6pm and midnight. Chronotype did not predict food intake in models further adjusted for MEQ score. Conclusion Trait extroversion may be associated a greater propensity for hedonic eating behavior, thus leading to higher caloric intake. However, it may also be that in a laboratory setting where social interactions are limited, extroversion predicts the consumption of foods as a self-soothing strategy in the event of loneliness. Further investigation is needed to understand this association in real world settings. Support (if any) DARPA AWARD #: D12AP00241