Examining the personality traits and life goals of nurses and teachers: The sample of Van

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This research was carried out to determine the relationship between the personality traits and life goals of nurses and teachers, as well as determining the differences between nurses and teachers in terms of personality traits and life goals. METHODS: This study was based on the relational screening model and consisted of 308 participants, 184 teachers and 124 nurses working in Van, Turkey during the 2015–2016 academic year. Study data were collected using a personal information form, the Life Goals Scale (LGS) and the Quick Big Five Personality Test (QBFPT). Correlation and two-way ANOVA technique were used to analyze the data. Normal distribution of the data was assessed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis. RESULTS: According to the results of the research, there was a significant positive correlation between personality traits and life goals of teachers and nurses. According to the comparison between teachers and nurses, both occupation and occupational happiness had a significant effect on the emotional stability personality trait. There was a significant difference between the participants in terms of extrinsic life goals; the extrinsic life goals scores of the nurses were higher than those of the teachers. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The extrinsic life goals scores of the nurses were higher than those of the teachers; therefore, further research of nurses’ extrinsic motivations, extrinsic life goals and other variables affecting these sub-goals would be beneficial. The study illustrated that the teachers’ extraversion and emotional stability personality traits did not show any meaningful relationship with any subfactors of life goals. Consequently, the effects of teachers’ extraversion and emotional stability personality traits on life goals and occupational happiness can be demonstrated through qualitative and quantitative scientific studies.