Personality Traits and Psychological Health Concerns

Abstract

The current study explored whether an affliction similar to Medical Student Syndrome occurs in psychology students (i.e., Psychology Student Syndrome) by examining the relationship between self ratings of psychological health and the number of psychopathology courses taken. Undergraduate participants rated their level of concern about suffering from symptoms of psychological disorders. Students additionally completed a Big Five measure to determine whether personality plays a role in self diagnosis. No evidence was obtained to support Psychology Student Syndrome; however, a positive correlation was found between neuroticism and psychological health anxiety. Instructors of psychopathology courses should be aware that students high in neuroticism may be at a higher risk for diagnosing themselves with psychological problems.