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

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.