Correlations between clinical training results for Physical Therapist Students and their Self-esteem, Narcissism, and Anthropophobia

Abstract

Students in physical therapy courses usually enter college directly after graduating from senior high school and are in their adolescence. It is known that self-esteem, narcissism, and anthropophobia are correlated with one another in the formation of adolescent self-image. These factors affect the clinical training of physical therapy students. Correlations between the results of training assessment and self-esteem, narcissism, and anthropophobia were examined in students (N=89). Results indicated that students with an affirmative self-image had better training results. Moreover, students with a high-level of narcissism had better results in the final training whereas a high level of anthropophobia had a negative effect on training results. It is important for students in physical therapy courses to become sociable when participating in clinical training. Furthermore, instructors should help students develop an affirmative self-image. Key words: self-esteem, narcissism, anthropophobia