The Five-Factor Model of Personality and its Relation to Physical Activity Type

Abstract

Previous research has linked components of the Five-Factor model of personality to physical health and well-being. The strength of these relationships with specific exercise behaviors is, however, not yet known, which may impact how practitioners prescribe exercise. For this reason, it is important to find ways to utilize personality to provide stronger exercise prescriptions for inactive individuals. Purpose: The aim of this pilot, exploratory study was to assess the relationship between personality types and individual exercise preference. Methods: Women (N = 51) between the ages of 30 and 50 years completed a demographic survey, the IPIP Big 5 personality questionnaire, the Physical Activity Enjoyment scale, the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise questionnaire, and a Lifestyle-Related Self-Concept questionnaire. A Chi squared test was performed to determine the relationship between personality and preferred physical activity modality. Results: Participants of the study had an average age of 38.9 [plus-or-minus] 6.4 years and were 78.8% White and 17.6% Black or African American. Of the total participants, 31.4% completed an undergraduate degree and 51% completed a post-graduate education. Eighteen (35.3%) participants had an annual income below $50,0000, 27 participants (52.9%) were between $50,000 and $99,999, and 5 participants ( 9.8%) had an annual income greater than $100,000. The Pearson chi-square test comparing 5 different modes of exercise resulted in a value of 30.185 (p = 0.02). A second chi-square test that combined all group fitness classes and compared them with Crossfit and individual exercises resulted in a value of 16.179 (p = 0.04). Thus, personality type was significantly correlated with preferred mode of exercise. An ANOVA comparing personality scales of personality with preferred exercise resulted in a significant value for only the conscientious domain (p=.01). This suggested that conscientious individuals would prefer crossfit and aerobic based group classes. Conclusions: Personality did significantly differentiate individuals based on their preferred mode. Significant results note differences in individuals that participate in group fitness classes, Crossfit, and individual exercises. Given the proportion of the population that does not meet physical activity and public health recommendations, it would be beneficial to utilize this relationship to better prescribe tailored physical activity rather than providing overarching recommendations to individuals. An intervention prescribing physical activity based on an individual's personality type is needed to further the understanding of the relationships presented.