Abstract
Personality psychopathology is implicated in eating pathology; however, most research has relied on categorical diagnostic models that may not fully account for their heterogeneity and complexity. Emerging evidence suggests dimensional models may provide a more comprehensive framework for understanding underlying mechanisms and symptom variation, though their application in this area remains limited. The present study aimed to build on this research by investigating the relationship between personality psychopathology and eating pathology using multiple dimensional frameworks as well as exploring sex differences. This study employed a cross-sectional design with a university sample (N = 293) Participants completed the self-report measures of pathological personality traits. personality impairment, and disordered eating symptom dimensions in groups up to 12 on computers. Bivariate correlations and multiple linear regression were used to examine associations between personality psychopathology and eating pathology, and sex differences were analysed using independent samples t-tests and Fisher’s z-tests. The results partially supported the hypotheses, personality impairment emerged as transdiagnostic factor for binge eating, body dissatisfaction, restrictive eating, and purging. However, meaningful pathological personality trait associations were only found between negative affectivity and the body dissatisfaction and restrictive eating symptom dimensions. In contrast, excessive exercise and muscle building formed a distinct cluster, which was associated with antagonism and low negative affectivity rather than impairment. Moreover, sex differences revealed distinct patterns for males and females. Overall, the findings contribute to the literature by identifying distinct associations between personality psychopathology and eating pathology and support the application of dimensional models in future research and practice.