Achievement motivation in medical students

Medical students were assessed by questionnaire in their third and fourth years regarding attitudes about sex role, medical school, and career plans and in the third year about fear of success. Nine percent of each sex were judged to fear success. Stereotypical responses were reported by the students. Males, anticipating that they would work more than 60 hours per week, looked forward to academic careers, while females more often desired the sharing of financial and child care responsibilities with spouses. Attitudes toward chores were egalitarian, but in reality women performed most routine household activities. Both sexes agreed upon the characteristics that are necessary to be a good student as well as to succeed in later life. Women were more inclined toward artistic and domestic interests and helping others, while men were more interested in scientific investigation, athletics, and adventure. The implications of these similarities and differences for the students' future careers are discussed.