The association between Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Psychiatry as the specialty choice
Objectives The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the association between Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and prospective psychiatry residents. Methods Forty six American medical schools were contacted and asked to participate in this study. Data were collected and an aggregated list was compiled that included the following information: date of MBTI administration, academic year, MBTI form/version, residency match information and student demographic information. The data includes 835 American medical students who completed the MBTI survey and matched into a residency training program in the United States. All analyses were performed using R 3.1.2. Results The probability of an introvert matching to a psychiatry residency is no different than that of an extravert (p= 0.30) The probability of an intuitive individual matching to a psychiatry residency is no different than that of a sensing type (p=0.20) The probability of a feeling type matching to a psychiatry residency is no different than that of a thinking type (p= 0.50) The probability of a perceiving type matching to a psychiatry residency is no different than that of a judging type (p= 0.60) Conclusions Further analyses may elicit more accurate information regarding the personality profile of prospective psychiatry residents. The improvement in communication, team dynamics, mentor mentee relationships and reduction in workplace conflicts are possible with the awareness of MBTI personality profiles.
International journal of medical education