Personality Characteristics of Australian Occupational Therapy Students

Abstract

The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule was administered to 98 occupational therapy students in four different years of training, and to seven staff members who filled in the Schedule "as if they were the ideal occupational therapist". Derived scores were then compared with previously published work and also with those that defined the ideal occupational therapist. Significant differences between groups were found on 11 of the 15 personality traits. Findings revealed that not only do occupational therapy students differ from other tertiary groups, but on some traits, notably achievement, order, dominance and abasement, such differences relate to the year of training. These latter data suggest that as training proceeds some personality traits change in the direction of those which characterise the ideal occupational therapist.

First year occupational therapy students: Profile and perceptions

“…They felt that it was important for occupational therapists to possess personal characteristics such as communication skills, honesty and integrity, creative ability and dedication to helping people. These attitudes are congruent with those found by others (Brown, 1989;Clark & White, 1983;Madill et aZ., 1989) and reflect some of the characteristics outlined by Yerxa (1994). Although these students were selected into the course on the basis of academic performance, their attitudes and the personal attributes they valued are generally positive and desirable.…”

“…As a result, the use of interviews, letters of recommendation, autobiographies and personality and aptitude tests have been suggested as adjunctive or alternative means of recruiting the most appropriate students to a course (Bridle, 1987;Clark & White, 1983;Madigan, 1985;Posthuma & Noh, 1990). However, a degree of self-selection appears to occur, with students who have particular qualities being attracted to those careers where such qualities are valued.…”

Professional Literature: One View of a National Perspective

“…Emphasis must now be on strengthening the body of knowledge on which practice is based. It is time to stop searching for the "perfect student" or referring to the "ideal therapist" (Clark and White, 1983). Practice requires a broad base of skills and a sound theoretical background.…”

The Relationship Between Carkhuff's Helping Dimensions and Occupational Therapy

“…There was some doubt when formulating the six hypotheses because Clark and White (1983), using the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, found that occupational therapists were dominant and became less nurturing over time. However, considering the background theory and evidence from other research it was reasonable to expect that the six hypotheses would be confirmed; these are listed again.…”