Exploring the Characteristics of Interpersonal Problems Based on Medical Students' Personality Types

Kim, Eun Kyung; Yang, Eun Bae; Kim, Se Jin

Abstract

PURPOSE: Medical students are exposed to various interpersonal relationships with patients, faculty and colleagues. Therefore, a clear understanding of their personality types and interpersonal problems is vital in creating an appropriate educational program for medical students. This study intends to explore the characteristics of interpersonal problems based on medical students' personality types.
METHODS
The Myers-Briggs type inventory(MBTI) and Korean Inventory of Interpersonal Problems were used to assess the first-year medical students at Yonsei University College of Medicine, 2006.
RESULTS
The personality types focusing on the interpersonal domain showed that the medical students could be categorized into four types: analytical type(47.2%), driving type(30.3%), amiable type(12.4%), and expressive type(10.1%). The characteristics of interpersonal problems data were within normal range. The relationship between the personality indicator and the characteristics of interpersonal problems is statistically significant in extraversion-introversion.
CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrate that the personality factors of medical students are correlated to the interpersonal problems they face. Thus, educational programs that take into account personality types and characteristics of interpersonal problems are crucial in providing high-quality medical education.