Effect of Assumed Competence and Self-esteem on Scores in the National Examination for Physical Therapists

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the effects of assumed competence and self-esteem on the national examination results of physical therapists. [Participants and Methods] Physical therapy undergraduate students in their senior year (45 males, 45 females, average age 22.3 years) participated in this study. Participants were asked questions about assumed competence and self-esteem using Google Forms, and were categorized into four competence types (Omnipotent, Assumed, Self-respective, and Atrophy), based on the combination of their scores for assumed competence and self-esteem. A correlation analysis was performed using national examination scores and the assumed competence scores of each type of competence. [Results] The correlation coefficient between assumed competence and national examination scores was significant for the Omnipotent (r=–0.558) and the Self-respective (r=0.559) types. [Conclusion] Due to the difference in correlations, national exam guidance strategies should be considered for each type of competence, as determined by assumed competence and self-esteem scores.