Personality traits on higher vocational students with mathematics learning difficulties

Abstract

Objective To explore the personality traits on higher vocational students with mathematics learning difficulties(MD). Methods All students of three grades in their first year were divided into MD students(n=486) and outstanding students(n=407) according to their final math scores.Cattell's 16 PF Questionnaires was used to assess the personality. Results Students with MD got significantly higher records in personality factors of aggressiveness(6.59±1.94), excitability(7.29±2.24), sensitivity(5.85±1.98), suspicion(3.51±2.03), fantasy(5.76±1.86), urbane(5.81±1.75), tense(5.63±2.05), adapting and anxiety type(4.49±2.23), introverted and export-oriented type(7.59±2.43), and cowardice and decisive type(5.04±1.62) than outstanding students(P<0.05); however, they got lower records in personality factors of steadiness(5.89±2.19), perseverance(4.41±1.98), independence(3.74±1.77), emotional with unruffled alert type(5.51±1.81), professional achievements(52.72±10.66), growth ability in new environments(18.78±3.91)(P<0.05). Conclusion Higher vocational students with MD have sensitive, suspicious, nervous, anxious, exoscopic, excited, fantasy personalities, lacking self-control, elasticity, carefulness and constancy. Key words: Higher vocational students; Mathematics learning difficulties; Personality traits