Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between personality type and intentional weight loss among students who sustained a loss of ten pounds or more during the past three years (N = 42). Utilizing Howard and McArthur’s survey of weight loss techniques, participants indicated which strategies were employed to achieve weight loss. Participants further answered questions on the Human Metrics Jung Typology Test. Their responses were compiled and analyzed to indicate dominant traits of their personality. Further correlational analysis explored the relationship between the selected weight loss techniques and the qualities representative of the participants’ personalities. The findings reveal that persons with assurance and leadership traits were more inclined to use herbal products and try fat scrubbing devices, while those with visionary traits were more inclined to count fat grams and reduce fluid intake (p<.05). Conversely, persons with conscientious traits were less likely to plan non-eating social events as a weight loss strategy (p<.05).