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Personality correlates of study difficulty and academic performance in university students. II. Conscience and
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|September 1, 1977
Summary
Students seeking psychological help often have low self-esteem and a strong conscience. These traits correlate with neurotic and work-related symptoms, impacting academic performance.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Student Health
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Self-esteem and conscience are key personality traits.
- Work-related symptoms and psychological distress are common in students.
- Previous research indicates potential links between these factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between self-esteem, conscience, and work-related symptoms in students.
- To compare these measures between students seeking psychological help and a control group.
- To identify personality profiles associated with psychological distress and academic performance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scales measuring self-esteem and conscience.
- Compared two groups: patients at UCL Student Health Centre and normal controls.
- Administered personality inventory (MHQ) and work-related symptoms questionnaire (UCLSQ).
Main Results:
- Self-esteem and conscience were inversely related.
- Patients exhibited low self-esteem and high conscience compared to controls.
- Patients scored higher on neurotic symptoms and work-related difficulties.
- A subgroup of high-achieving but anxious students with low self-esteem and harsh conscience was identified.
Conclusions:
- Self-esteem and conscience scales are reliable and useful for differentiating student groups.
- These traits are significantly associated with psychological distress and work-related symptoms in students.
- Further research is warranted to explore these relationships in student populations.