Abstract

This research explored the relationship between weight loss strategies and personality traits among college students. The research participants had successfully sustained at least a 10 pound weight loss over the past 3 years. Utilizing the Howard & McArthur Survey, participants identified the weight loss strategies they used. Following this step, participants completed the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory Test. Pearson correlation analyses was conducted on the matched data sets. The findings reveal that 4 weight loss strategies were correlated with significance to specific personality traits. From this study, it may be inferred that persons with leadership personalities may be more inclined to count fat grams (r=.36 , p<.05), use herbal products (r=.33, p<.05), and try fat scrubbing devices (r=.4, p<.05). Conversely, it may be inferred that it is unlikely that persons with personality traits of conscientiousness would consider planning more non-eating social events as a weight loss strategy (r=-.4, p<.05). An implication of this study is that dimensions of wellness may be found when exploring the interaction of mind, body and health behaviors. Excess body weight has been found to contribute to heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and hypertension; it also affects 1 in 3 adults in the United States. Perhaps tailoring weight loss strategies according to an individual’s personality may facilitate successful weight loss and enable healthful behaviors. More research is needed in this area to explore whether personality is a mediating factor.

Presenters

Gloria McNamara
Associate Professor, Health Education Department, City University of New York - Borough of Manhattan Community College campus, New York, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

The Physiology, Kinesiology and Psychology of Wellness

KEYWORDS

Psychology Personality Diet

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