Abstract
IntroductionPersonal factors play an important role in health services. Empirical evidence points to personality and empathy as determinants of health care. Although the relationship is documented, there is much debate about the benefits and interactions in the formative processes. ObjectiveThe present study aims to explore the relationship between personality and empathy as a total factor, from the cognitive and affective part and in its subprocesses adjusting for sociodemographic variables. ResultsThe results suggest that personality explains 33% of total empathy and 27% of both affective and cognitive empathy at the same time. Kindness shows the strongest association with all levels of empathy, and openness to experience shows a relevant role for empathy with a cognitive profile and an association with emotional joy. Neuroticism is associated with affective as well as empathic stress, while extraversion seems to be associated with affective and with no tendency for cognitive, leaving conscientiousness with the opposite profile. ConclusionsThe consideration of personality and empathy links in undergraduate health science careers may support a basis for intervention and improvement in curricula and taking into account these linked factors for health care delivery.
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