Doctors in distress: The personality profile of derailing doctors

Abstract

Objective: This study looked at the bright and dark-side personality profile of distressed and potentially derailing doctors (82% male). The derailing doctors were on average 48.75 years old, and from many specialities, in particular, general practice and surgery. Method: In all, a group of 77 derailing British doctors, and a control group of 357 doctors completed a valid multi-dimensional test of bright-side (normal) personality (NEO-PI-R) and one of dysfunctional interpersonal themes (sub-clinical personality disorders) (HDS: Hogan Development Survey). Results: Controlling for sex and age, the derailing doctors were more Neurotic (less resilient), and less Agreeable, Conscientious, Extraverted and Open-to- Experience. They were also more Excitable (Borderline), Sceptical (Paranoid), Cautious (Avoidant), Reserved (Schizoid), Leisurely (Passive Aggressive) and Bold (Narcissistic). Discriminant analysis showed age, Neuroticism, Extraversion, Leisurely and Excitable were, in that order, the greatest personality discriminators between those who did and did not derail. Conclusion: More research needs to be done on doctor derailment to inform the selection and training of doctors.