The Myers-Briggs type indicator association with United States medical student performance, demographics, and career values

Abstract

Background The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-reported personality test that has continued to gain popularity and traction across industries. The MBTI assesses individuals within four dichotomous categories corresponding to ways to, ultimately, assign one of sixteen personality types. Prior studies indicate that physicians trended towards certain personality traits and medical students with a particular trait performed lower academically. Due to the recency of these studies, however, there is a substantial knowledge gap in the relationship between medical student MBTIs and academic performance, demographics, and career interests. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate this relationship amongst 4-year allopathic U.S. medical students and determine if there is substantial correlation to implement MBTI results in creating personalized student support services in school curriculum. Methods This study was a single institution, cross-sectional study of 83 medical students. A survey was emailed to all students with the MBTI personality test paper edition, in addition to questions regarding specialty interest, learning style preference, and career values. Each student’s responses were de-identified after pairing with the respective students’ academic performance data and demographic information. Chi-square tests were used to compare MBTI data with categorical data such as demographic characteristics while independent sample t-tests were used to compare MBTI data with numerical variables like academic performance. Results Our findings suggest statistically significant associations between Introversion (I) with older age and Thinking (T) with male students. Additionally, Thinking (T) students performed better academically, valued variety in patient care (breadth of patients and pathologies seen), and the specific type of patient contact (longitudinal vs. short-term, etc.). Conversely, Feeling (F) students trended towards people-oriented specialties. Regarding learning styles and study environments, Extroverted (E) and Judging (J) types preferred hands-on learning, though Judging (J) types also preferred a quiet environment. No other statistically significant differences were found amongst the remaining variables. Conclusion Medical schools should utilize student MBTI results to individualize student academic and career support as our study indicates various significant associations between some of the personality types. While not a “one-size-fits-all,” the MBTI can be used as a potential starting point for specialty exploration and learning styles.