Resident physicians who continue Balint training: a longitudinal study 1982-1999

Balint seminars began in London in 1950 on a voluntary basis for general practitioners wishing to explore psychological problems in their practice. By 1964, there was a 36% early dropout rate among the 223 physicians who participated. This study sought to determine if those who leave Balint training during their residency, versus those who continue, have different psychological characteristics.

A retrospective analysis of 206 Medical University of South Carolina family practice residents from 1982 to 1999 was completed. All residents participated in 6 months of required Balint training and then could leave the Balint group or continue for the remaining 2 years. We examined gender and personality attributes, comparing residents who completed 2 years of weekly Balint training and residents who left after 6 months. Personality attributes were measured with the Myers-Briggs Inventory, the Work Environmental Preference Schedule, the Internal-External Locus of Control, the Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation Behavior test, and the Personal Orientation Inventory.

A total of 132 residents completed 2 years of weekly Balint training, and 74 discontinued training after 6 months. Two-year attendees were significantly more intuitive on the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory (MBTI). There were no significant differences on other MBTI items, nor were there significant differences in gender or in scores on the other psychological tests.

Based on the rate of discontinuation of Balint training in our sample, Balint work does not appear to be suited to all physicians. With the exception of one MBTI characteristic, no significant differences could be demonstrated between those who did and did not continue participating. Further study is necessary to define other attributes characterizing Balint group attendees and nonattendees.