Ann Nutr Food Sci | Volume 2, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Personality and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Young Men: Mixed Methods Assessment

Stephanie Howard Wilsher1*, Julie Houghton2 and Alexia Papageorgiou3

1Kent Business School, University of Kent, UK
2School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, UK
3St. Georges School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Cyprus

*Correspondance to: Stephanie Howard Wilsher 

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Abstract

Background: To assess whether personality of young men (18–24) may impact on their fruit and vegetable consumption using mixed methods.
Methods: Interviews, food diaries and Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). Eight Caucasian young men (18-24), four with low (up to 2 portions daily) and four with high (>4 portions) fruit and vegetable consumption. Ethical approval was provided by the University Ethics Committee.
Results: Of the five personality dimensions (extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability), conscientiousness and emotional stability presented a near perfect result on TIPI: high scores for high consumers and low scores for low consumers. These scores were generally supported by the thematic analysis of the interviews. One low consumer overturned the trend on the personality dimensions; however, the findings of his interview did not support his TIPI scores. Several reasons may explain this discrepancy, such as the social context of the target behaviour or potential incongruities in survey data. Conclusions: Larger surveys using validated personality tests and qualitative interviews are needed to provide much needed definitive insights into this research area. The findings suggest behavioural interventions might be improved by using cognitive behaviour therapy rather than dietary interventions.

Citation:

Howard Wilsher S, Houghton J, Papageorgiou A. Personality and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Young Men: Mixed Methods Assessment. Ann Nutr Food Sci. 2018; 2(1): 1012.

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