Personality Differences in Male and Female Medical Students

Abstract

According to the results of two psychological tests administered to freshman medical students of classes 1960–67, Adjective Check List measuring self-concept, and the California Psychological Inventory, describing personality, women medical students see themselves as more willing than men to express feelings and admit weaknesses and as less likely to endorse the extremes of dominant and aggressive behavior. In addition, the female student is more likely than the male to view herself as totally committed to her goals and as relatively content with them. No differences were apparent between the sexes on a cluster of personality scales relating to interpersonal effectiveness (dominance, sociability, self-acceptance, and a sense of well-being). However, on scales that rated responsibility, socialization, and tolerance, and in two of three scales that measured achievement, women scored higher than men. Results of both tests confirmed the belief that women medical students tend to display more sensitivity to relationship values, more general acceptance of feelings, and greater alertness to moral and ethical issues than male medical students. They also value independence and individuality to a greater degree than their male colleagues or educated women in general.