This is nothing but conjecture, but my suspicion is that neurotically conscientious people are more likely to become vegan, and also more likely to be depressed and anxious.
If everyone had to meet the meat before their meals, we'd be able to bring consumption right down.
(And by that I'd include the whole impact of cow breeding on the environment etc, right down to the execution.)
EDIT: My grammar game is horrible today. Sorry
Meeting the meat was also a reference to the Restaurant at the End of the Galaxy; there, the meat would kill itself. It forced the attendants higher up in the food chain to be confronted by the reality of the situation, rather than having the slice of meat simply something you get at the supermarkets in a packet.
In all seriousness, by reducing the amount of meat eaten you can avoid the worst meat factories with their horrible conditions for the animals.
I believe organic farming is far more ethical, and better for the planet as well (methane emissions) as for the consumers who are likely to be overweight.
It would have to be a very large effect given 95‰ of the US eats meat. I think the opposite is more likely. Atypical mind states are associated with veganism and the mood disorders.
So in response to "what personality traits would you associate with meat eaters?" I would say, closer to average levels of neuroticism and conscientiousness, and hence also closer to average levels of anxiety and depression.
Never seen that one before - assuming it's a typo here, but this is per-mil. Neat!
"This study was funded in part via an unrestricted research grant from the Beef Checkoff, through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association."