Distribution of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator types in an Emergency Medicine residency training program in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: MBTI is a valuable tool that aids individuals to categorize their personality preferences. This study was designed to compare and apply the Myers Briggs Type Indicator tool on the Emergency Medicine residents in the training program with the general population and explores the most commonly accepted personality types. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive analysis was conducted by using an online MBTI tool administered on all Emergency Medicine residents at every level of training during the period of 2014-2015 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included residents from five training centers. The survey was distributed through email and personal contacts. Results: Of 144 residents, 142 participants responded to the survey (26.8% of them were females). Extroversion (81%) and Intuitive (59%) traits were more commonly exhibited than observed in the general Saudi population. The most common personality types found were ENTJ (14.8%) and ESTJ (14.1%). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the distribution of MBTI personality traits and types in Emergency Medicine residents are notably different from the general population. This has implications on educational methods and objectives used in the training programs. This evidence may be valuable in health manpower planning and in inspecting admission policies of medical residencies and schools.