Can a Student-Athlete’s Personality Type Affect her Overall Athletic Success?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible causal relationships between personality type and success in college athletics. The measurement tool was the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test and selected performance indicators (games played, games started, goals scored, assists, shots on goal, points). This study involved use of nonparametric median test to compare the performance of athletes while also using a series of Independent Sample Median tests to look further into the Myers-Briggs Type dimensions. No significant differences were recorded when investigating athletic success and personality type. Research in this area should continue with a larger sample size and more data collected through multiple seasons.