The purpose of the study was to investigate if there were relationships between Registered Nurses personality type utilizing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and their weight status. Comparisons were made between how RNs reported their personality type and their Body Mass Index in order to determine if there was a relationship between them. Examination of those RNs who were successful and unsuccessful in their weight loss attempts were explored as they related to weight loss regimen (diet, exercise, social interactions and pharmacotherapy). Various motivating factors were studied in RNs who attempted to lose weight. The relationships among personality type, motivation level, weight loss regimens and demographic data (age, gender, BMI, ethnicity, education level, disability status, shift work hours, and prescription medication use) were studied in both successful and unsuccessful weight losers. Lastly, using personality type, motivation level, weight loss regimens and the demographic data listed above, investigation of whether any or all of these variables could be used as a prediction to successful weight loss was studied. A demographic survey questioning age, gender, height, weight, ethnicity, education level, disability status, shift work hours, and prescription medication use was developed to gather data from the RNs participating in this research. Additionally, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Form M was used to gather data about each RNs personality type. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was used to develop an understanding of each RNs personality type in relation to both the demographic data as well as the participants motivating factors and weight loss regimens.

        No significant associations between RNs personality type and Body Mass Index were found; however, it was noted that 57 percent of the participants were either overweight (30 percent) or obese (27 percent). Forty-two percent of the RNs were found to be at a normal weight. In addition, those individuals who had the personality types of Introverted Intuitive Thinking Perceiving (INTP) had 69.2 percent of their type within the obesity category, and those reporting as Introverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving (INFP) had 50 percent of their personality type within the overweight category.

        The study revealed that RNs in the study were more successful in their weight loss attempt if they did not use a diet regimen. However, RNs who participated in exercise had a greater decrease in their Body Mass Index than those who did not.

        Another interesting finding was that RNs who had a lower BMI were more successful than RNs who had a higher BMI in losing weight. Current research reveals that both overweight and obese individuals normally are successful in losing weight over the first six months of weight loss attempts; however, individuals with a higher BMI initially are more successful in weight maintenance once they lost their initial weight.

        The study found that the younger a RN was, the greater motivated they were to lose weight compared to those RNs who were older. In addition, there was a significant difference between Body Mass Index and disability in relation to successful weight loss. Those RNs who had a physical disability were more likely to have a greater Body Mass Index.

        Lastly, the study revealed that those RNs who were taking prescription drugs that could cause weight gain for various illnesses or diseases were more likely to have a greater BMI and be unsuccessful in their weight loss attempts.

 Key Milestones 

        June 2005 - NP Doctoral Education Scholarship Award Received from AANP Foundation

        September 2006 - Dissertation Proposal Defense

        November 2006 - Completion of the MBTI Qualification Course

        January 2007 - CPP, Inc., Grant approval to assist with costs of MBTI

        March 2007 - Dowling College IRB Approval

        April 2007 - Stony Brook University CORHIS Approval

        April 2007 - Data Collection Commenced

        June 2007 - STTI Kappa Gamma Chapter Dissertation Research Grant Received

        July 2007 - AANP Foundation Novo Nordisk NP Research Grant Received

        September 2007 - NPALI NP Doctoral Research Grant Received

        September 2007 - Data Collection Completed

        April 2008 - Dissertation Defense