Personality at Work: How It Shapes Job Satisfaction in Doctors

Abstract

Background. Future doctors should be able to choose a specialization that aligns with their personality, allowing them to achieve the highest levels of job satisfaction and avoid burnout. 

Aim. The aim of the study is to assess the correlation between job satisfaction and specific personality traits, and to evaluate burnout across different medical specialties.

Material and methods. 297 Polish doctors, comprising 73.5% women and 26.8% men from various specialties, were assessed using the Five Factor Big Five model, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and a job satisfaction scale.

Results. Results reveal that the following personality traits: extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness positively correlate with higher job satisfaction, while neuroticism significantly reduces it. For instance, agreeableness boosts job satisfaction for Internists, Surgeons, Orthopedists, and Anesthesiologists, while extraversion is especially beneficial for Anesthesiologists. Neuroticism, on the other hand, contributes to lower satisfaction across all specialties. Physicians experiencing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization often reported reduced satisfaction.

Conclusions. The findings indicate that extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness can promote job satisfaction, while neuroticism diminishes it. Additionally, the role of openness in job satisfaction remains unclear, requiring further research. Burnout, driven by workplace stress, may significantly hinder doctors' job satisfaction, underscoring the need for better work conditions and support mechanisms.