Psychological wellbeing, locus of control and personality traits in medical students of a traditional and an alternative curriculum

Author(s): Schauenburg, H.

Journal/Book: Psychother Psychosom Med Psyc. 1999; 49: P O Box 30 11 20, D-70451 Stuttgart, Germany. Georg Thieme Verlag. 29-36.

Abstract: Traditional medical curricula are widely criticised. Medical students show a higher prevalence of psychological distress. New problem-based curricula are said to promote higher satisfaction with medical schools and lower psychological distress. This goes together with achievement comparable to traditional curricula. A study with preclinical medical students in a traditional (Gottingen, n = 126) and an alternative (Witten/Herdecke, n = 25) medical curriculum was carried through, concerning subjective wellbeing (depression/anxiety), locus of control and primary personality traits. Students in the problem-oriented curriculum show lower. Prevalence of psychological distress and less experience of powerlessness and fatalism (external locus of control). There is no striking difference in the primary personality traits. Results are discussed with respect to long-term evaluation of future alternative curricula in Germany.

Note: Article Kuhnigk O, Univ Gottingen, Klin Psychosomat & Psychotherapie, Von Siebold Str 5, D-37075 Gottingen, GERMANY

Keyword(s): medical education; problem-based learning; psychosocial stress; locus of control; evaluation; SCHOOL; STRESS

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