Identifying the Dominant Personality Profiles in Medical Students: Implications for Their Well-Being and Resilience

Abstract

PurposeThere is a high prevalence of stress, depression, and burn-out in medical students. Medical students differ widely in personality traits, self-perceptions, and values that may have an impact on their well-being. This study aimed to investigate variability in their personality profiles in relation to their potential for well-being and resilience.MethodParticipants were 808 medical students from The University of Queensland. An online questionnaire collected socio-demographics and the Temperament and Character Inventory to assess personality traits. Latent profile analyses identified students’ trait profiles.ResultsTwo distinct personality profiles were identified. Profile 1 (“Resilient”) characterized 60% of the sample and was distinguished by low Harm Avoidance combined with very high Persistence, Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness compared to Profile 2 ("Conscientious"). Both Profiles had average levels of Reward Dependence and Novelty Seeking and low levels of Self-Transcendence. Profiles did not differ by age, gender, or country of birth, but rural background students were more likely to have Profile 1. While both Profiles indicate mature and healthy personalities, the combination of traits in Profile 1 is more strongly indicative of well-being and resilience.ConclusionsFinding two distinct profiles of personality highlights the importance of considering combinations of traits and how they may interact with medical students’ potential for well-being. Although both profiles of students show healthy personalities, many may lack the resilience to maintain well-being over years of medical training. Programs that develop character and personality self-awareness would enhance their well-being and prepare them to promote the health of their patients.

The effects of personality traits on academic burnout in Korean medical students

“…In addition, students with low CO would demonstrate a hostile, biased, and opportunistic attitude to others and it is difficult for them to engage with others in medical school 45 . It is difficult for those with low SD to do their best for a long term goal and show a self-accepting and ordered attitude, ending in inefficacy at medical school.…”

Exploring personality in Australian dentistry students: Implications for coping with a challenging degree

“…High Cooperativeness is a character trait indicative of being trustful and agreeable, which may suggest a high capacity for tolerance and empathy. 17 TA B L E 3 Significant differences in temperament and character traits of dentistry students by demographic variables stress. Therefore, the average levels of Harm Avoidance in this sample suggest a stable nature.…”

“…It has also been used locally in studies of other health profession students within Australia. 15,17 The TCI-…”

“…14 Studies have described the personalities of medical and nursing students to help understand what traits may be related to higher resilience and coping with their challenging degrees. [15][16][17] However, very little is currently known about the personality of dentistry students and how they cope with their equally challenging degree. 1,3,4,8 Over the past 50 years, evidence based-dental practice and dental education have changed significantly.…”

“…23 The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) has been used in Australia with students in various health professions. [15][16][17] Temperament refers to the emotional domain of personality and is moderately heritable and stable throughout the lifespan. The four temperament traits are Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance, Reward Dependence and Persistence.…”