Personality profile as correlates to level of stress among overweight employees : basis for eating disorder management / Diwata A. Macatangay

The study emerged from a need to address minimizing healthcare cost from overweight or obese employees in a BPO company. Its aim was to determine the relationship between demographic profile, personality profile and perceived stress of overweight or obese participants from a call centre set-up company. Method employed was a cross-sectional correlational study where personality scale was measured using Neo Five-Factor Inventory-3 (NEO-FFI-3); stress was determined through perceived stress scale (PSS); and a demographic questionnaire was used to obtain age, sex, length of stay in company, height and weight. The study had 54 participants who were overweight employees (mean age of 32, 48% male, average of 6 years being employed in call centre company). Result that showed significant relationships (p<005) were between personality trait Neuroticism and perceived stress; and extraversion and perceived stress. Extroversion was identified as prominent characteristic of the participant suggesting that there is a potential to use measures of personality to determine appropriate intervention program. Sex is likewise significantly associated (p<0.05>) with Neuroticism. A proposed eating disorder management program against obesity was produced where results of the study served as guidelines.