Personality Predictors of Stress, Burnout, and Academic Outcomes in Medical Students: A Big Five Trait Analysis

Personality Traits, Stress, Burnout, and GPA in Medical Students

Abstract

Background: Personality traits influence how individuals handle stress, burnout, and academic challenges, particularly in high-pressure fields like medicine. Objective: To examine the relationship between personality traits and levels of stress, burnout, and academic performance among medical students. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: Isra University, Hyderabad Pakistan. Duration: From June to November 2024. Methods: This study was conducted among 360 medical students, assessing personality traits using the Big Five framework. Perceived stress, burnout, and academic performance (GPA) were measured through validated questionnaires and institutional records. Associations between personality traits and outcome variables were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: Agreeableness was the most prevalent trait (32%), followed by conscientiousness (27%). Neuroticism showed a strong positive association with high stress (χ² = 15.4, p < 0.001) and burnout (χ² = 12.8, p = 0.002), while conscientiousness and extroversion were linked to lower stress (χ² = 10.2, p = 0.014). Academic performance was highest among conscientious (χ² = 9.6, p = 0.021) and agreeable (χ² = 8.1, p = 0.032) individuals, whereas neuroticism and extroversion were negatively associated with GPA. Women scored higher in neuroticism (38%, p = 0.004) and agreeableness (34%, p = 0.009) than men. Conclusion: Personality traits significantly influence stress, burnout, and academic performance in medical students. Identifying these associations can guide tailored interventions, such as stress management for neurotic students and structured productivity plans for conscientious individuals, to enhance resilience and academic success.