Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

John Nemecek

Abstract

Sugar intake continues to be connected to an increased risk of heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and certain forms of cancers, depression, and schizophrenia. The purpose of the study was to examine if sugar intake is related to personality traits in the Millennial population. The health belief model was used as the theoretical framework for conducting the study. The research questions addressed in the current study were in regards to the relationships between Millennials daily sugar intake and openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. This study was a cross-sectional design in which a panel of randomly selected United States Millennials (N = 106) between the ages of 18-34 were requested to complete a demographic questionnaire and the Big Five Inventory. The survey was conducted online using SurveyMonkey. Multiple linear regression was used to test the five stated hypotheses. Study results indicated no significant relationship between sugar intake and the five personality traits (p > .05). A sequential multiple regression model after controlling for age and gender indicated no significant relationship between the five personality traits and Sugar Intake (p > .05). In effecting positive social change, further investigations are warranted to establish the relationships between personality traits and sugar intake which may help to inform policy to reduce the associated health risks of consuming high sugar.

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