What Being A Vegan Says About Your Personality
Social Themes
Veganism is not merely a dietary choice—it represents a profound reflection of an individual's personal values, motivations, and even their underlying personality traits. While many people primarily associate veganism with concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, or the pursuit of personal health, research has shown that the decision to adopt a plant-based lifestyle may also be influenced by specific psychological factors. These personality traits, ranging from empathy to openness to new experiences, often drive people toward a lifestyle that is grounded in compassion, ethical awareness, and a commitment to minimizing harm.
‘‘Veganism reflects deeper values, motivations, and personality traits beyond dietary choices. It’s often driven by empathy, ethical awareness, and a commitment to reducing harm. Understanding these connections reveals why individuals choose this compassionate lifestyle, linking personal beliefs with broader motivations for change.’’
Understanding the intricate link between personality and veganism provides deeper insights into the motivations and broader tendencies that propel individuals to embrace this conscious, thoughtful way of living. It illustrates how veganism is not only a choice rooted in external factors, such as diet or environment, but also an expression of internal principles and beliefs. Ultimately, recognizing these connections can shed light on why certain individuals are drawn to this lifestyle, offering a more holistic understanding of the reasons behind this compassionate decision.
The article talks about how veganism reflects deeper personal values, motivations, and personality traits, and how understanding these links provides insight into why people choose this lifestyle.
Lower Scores on the Dark Triad
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2019 explored the Dark Triad personality characteristics—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—and found an interesting correlation with diet. Specifically, females who do not eat meat tend to score lower on these traits, particularly Machiavellianism and narcissism. This suggests that those who choose a plant-based lifestyle, especially women, may have more altruistic and less manipulative or self-centered tendencies compared to omnivores.
Machiavellianism is characterized by a manipulative, strategic mindset aimed at personal gain, while narcissism involves an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy. The lower prevalence of these traits among vegans indicates a tendency toward empathy, cooperation, and perhaps a greater sensitivity to the well-being of others—qualities that align with the ethical motivations behind veganism.
Universalism, Hedonism, and Self-Direction
Vegans and vegetarians are often driven by a strong value system that goes beyond individual desires and benefits. A 2021 systematic review, also published in Frontiers in Psychology, highlighted some of the distinct values that tend to characterize vegans. While omnivores tend to place a higher emphasis on power, vegans and vegetarians tend to prioritize universalism, hedonism, and self-direction.
Universalism refers to the concern for the welfare of all people and nature. Vegans often emphasize compassion, justice, and fairness, extending these principles to animals and the environment. This broader sense of empathy may explain why many vegans are vocal advocates for animal rights and environmental protection.
Hedonism, in this context, doesn’t mean indulgence in a negative sense. Rather, it refers to deriving pleasure from experiences that contribute to well-being and happiness, such as the satisfaction gained from aligning one's actions with personal ethics or enjoying a diverse array of plant-based foods.
Self-Direction reflects the preference for independence in thought and action. Vegans often choose a path that goes against societal norms, making decisions based on personal convictions rather than external pressures.
These values paint a picture of a vegan individual as someone who prioritizes ethical considerations, personal autonomy, and a balanced sense of pleasure, derived not from material gain but from actions that align with deeply held beliefs.
A Happier Life, But Not Without Challenges
The stereotype that vegans are often unhappy or constantly suffering from dietary restrictions is contradicted by research. A 2014 presentation at the International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities found that vegetarians tend to report higher levels of happiness compared to their omnivorous counterparts. The reasons for this happiness may stem from a sense of alignment between their beliefs and actions, as well as the health benefits associated with plant-based eating.
However, this doesn't mean that vegans and vegetarians are immune to mental health challenges. While they may derive joy from living in accordance with their values, they can still experience the same range of psychological difficulties as anyone else, such as anxiety or depression. Some studies even suggest that vegans may face unique mental health challenges due to feelings of social isolation or frustration when confronted by the widespread consumption of animal products. Nonetheless, the overall trend suggests that plant-based eaters often feel more content with their lifestyle choices, especially when those choices resonate with their core values.
Compassion, Social Justice, and Self-Improvement
It’s worth considering how veganism, as a lifestyle, can reinforce traits like compassion and social justice, both of which are central to many vegans’ identities. Choosing to abstain from animal products is often seen as a stance against cruelty, exploitation, and environmental degradation. These choices are a testament to a person's desire to contribute positively to society and the world at large.
Moreover, the emphasis on self-improvement and growth is often central to the vegan mindset. Many vegans see their lifestyle not as a rigid set of rules but as a journey toward becoming better versions of themselves, both in terms of health and ethical responsibility. The decision to stop consuming animal products often leads to broader reflections on consumption, environmental sustainability, and personal impact on the world.
Conclusion: A Reflection of Deeper Values
Being a vegan may say a lot more about your personality than simply your food preferences. It reflects a set of values and personality traits that prioritize empathy, social justice, and personal growth. With lower tendencies toward manipulation and narcissism, vegans often display a sense of compassion that extends beyond humans to animals and the planet. Additionally, the values of universalism, hedonism, and self-direction indicate a desire for ethical living and personal autonomy. While being vegan may not be free from challenges, the overall sense of fulfillment and happiness that comes from living in alignment with one's values is a strong motivator for many people.
Resources
Frontiers in Psychology (2019). Study on Dark Triad personality characteristics and dietary choices. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02223/full
Frontiers in Psychology (2021). Systematic review on values associated with veganism. Available at: Frontiers in Psychology | Articles
International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (2014). Presentation on the happiness levels of vegetarians.
Vegan Outreach: https://veganoutreach.org
Happy Cow: https://www.happycow.net
Great article!