The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the relationship between health risk-taking behaviors and temperament type among college students, and (2) to assess the efficacy of an Internet-based survey. American college students have morbidity and mortality levels that frequently are related to health risk-taking behaviors. Personality measures have been used to assess health or risk outcomes, however, temperament type as a personality construct related to risk-taking has not been examined extensively in health behavior studies. Undergraduate students at a large southeastern university (n=841) completed a temperament survey and the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey on an Internet-based instrument designed for this study. Bivariate analyses were used to assess the existence of statistical relationships. Several statistically significant findings emerged, including a pattern that shows that several temperament types predominate among the higher risk-takers. Out of sixteen possible temperament types, one in particular scored in the top quarter or third in all six scales of the NCHRBS, while a sub-group scored three out of the four highest scores in this sample. Among the national college population, these temperament types account for 29.7% of students, making implications for health promotion programs that include characteristics of these types imperative. The technological aspects of the study were as important as the survey findings themselves. Software properties and pilot testing features of the website became critically important when both survey instruments could not be accessed concurrently. The difficulties in overcoming logistical problems became important lessons in using this new research format.
See www.hsc.usf.edu/~edaley/index.html
Learning Objectives: Identify the relationship between temperament type and health risk-taking in college students. Describe the creation and implementation of a web-based health behavior survey.
Keywords: College Students, Risk Taking Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.