The Relationship Between Personality Types, Communication Skills and Learning Attitudes in Premedical Students / 한국의학교육

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the personality types of premedical students and their self-assessed communication skills and attitudes toward a communication skills course. METHODS: The participants were 59 second-year premedical students from Korea University College of Medicine. The Myers-Briggs type indicator (MBTI), which was validated in Korea, was used for evaluating personality types. Self-reported competency in communication and attitudes toward a communication skills course were measured by questionnaire. RESULTS: Sensing (S) and thinking (T) personality types were predominant in this study group (76%). The relationship between the personality indicator 'Extraversion (E)-Introversion (I)' and the selfreported communication skills was statistically significant for four items of communication skills. Also, the personality indicator 'Thinking (T)-Feeling (F)' significantly correlated with one item ask if the person has any further suggestions. Personality 'I' students showed more concern with regard to their communication skills than 'E' types. 'Sensing (S)'-type students had a more positive attitude toward the communication skills course than "iNtuition (N)" types. CONCLUSION: Students' self-assessed competence in communication and attitudes toward the communication skills course varied between personality types. These results suggest that the personality types of students should be considered in developing a communication skills course.