As physiotherapy involves lots of people interactions, a successful physiotherapist in this field most likely possesses a personality type that is social and collaborative. A physiotherapist meets new patients from different backgrounds with various beliefs and views. Therefore, he/she must be able to easily socialise and connect with others in a short period of time. Building trust and relationships are very important in healthcare as health professionals rely on their patients and want them to feel comfortable, be honest, and tell them the full story, which ultimately results in better care for the patients.1
Most people are usually aware of their personality type and whether they work great in a team or by themselves. However, for someone who is unsure of his/her personality type and whether if it suits a healthcare setting, there are many various personality tests that can guide you to the right work environment.2
One of these personality tests is the Holland code career test based on John Holland’s theory, which recommends the best suited work environment based on one’s personality type and interests via a questionnaire.3 This theory suggests that most people have a combination of six personality types including Social, Investigative, Conventional, Enterprising, Realistic, and Artistic. According to this theory, health professionals such as physiotherapist have a social or investigative personality.3, 4
Considering Holland’s code test is based on a questionnaire, there is a level of subjectivity involved and congruence studies have shown that there are missing elements in Holland’s theory and measures of personality and environment which impact the accuracy and reliability of this test.5 For example, the difference between a career and a job is not clearly defined in Holland’s theory, classification of people or jobs can sometimes be difficult due to inconsistent personality patterns, and it is not clear how to choose between jobs/careers you are equally matched to.5-7 Therefore, it is important to not consider these tests as a definitive answer but rather as a recommendation which increases your self-awareness and exposes your weaknesses that need improvements.
Krumboltz' Theory
When facing career indecisiveness, a better approach is to have an open mind when choosing between your options and understand that the perfect job does not exist as every job has its own advantages and disadvantages.8 This approach is known as the planned happenstance based on the career chaos theory.9 Planned happenstance advises the practice of open-mindedness and optimism when making career decisions.9 Some things are out of our control and It has been reported that people on average change jobs 12 time in their careers.10 Therefore, being fixed on one specific goal and refusing to adapt in the face of change can be problematic. However, some people may misinterpret this theory and believe that they should never plan or set goals in life.11 It is important to note that this interpretation is incorrect as planned happenstance suggests that the path to achieving career goals is not linear and people should be open to opportunities in life and embrace the changes they bring.9
Birkhäuer J, Gaab J, Kossowsky J, Hasler S, Krummenacher P, Werner C, et al. Trust in the health care professional and health outcome: A meta-analysis. PloS one. 2017;12(2):e0170988-e.
Harper H. The Best Personality Tests In Ranking Order (2019 Edition): Workstyle; [updated 2019 March 29; cited 2019 October 25]. Available from: https://www.workstyle.io/best-personality-test.
Nauta MM. The development, evolution, and status of Holland's theory of vocational personalities: Reflections and future directions for counseling psychology. J Couns Psychol. 2010;57(1):11-22.
Holland’s theory [Internet]: Careers New Zealand; 2019 [cited 2019 October 23]. Available from: https://www.careers.govt.nz/resources/career-practice/career-theory-models/hollands-theory/.
Arnold J. The congruence problem in John Holland's theory of vocational decisions. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. 2010;77:95-113.
Staunton T. John Holland’s Theory Of Career Choice – Theories Every Careers Adviser Should Know [Internet] 2015 [cited 2019 October 23]. Available from: https://runninginaforest.wordpress.com/2015/01/14/john-hollands-theory-of-career-choice-theories-every-careers-adviser-should-know/.
The Holland Inconsistent Personality Pattern and Its Advantages in Work and College [Internet]: Career Key; 2019 [cited 2019 October 24]. Available from: https://www.careerkey.org/choose-a-career/unusual-Holland-Code-combinations.html#.XbKL-5ozaUk.
Here’s why your dream job doesn’t exist, according to psychology [Internet]: Study International News; 2018 [cited 2019 October 24]. Available from: https://www.studyinternational.com/news/heres-why-your-dream-job-doesnt-exist-according-to-psychology/.
Mitchell KE, Al Levin S, Krumboltz JD. Planned Happenstance: Constructing Unexpected Career Opportunities. Journal of Counseling & Development. 1999;77(2):115-24.
Number of Jobs, Labor Market Experience, and Earnings Growth: Results from a National Longitudinal Survey Summary [Internet]: Bureau of Labor Statistics; 2019 [cited 2019 August 26]. Available from: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/nlsoy.nr0.htm.
Staunton T. John Krumboltz Planned Happenstance planneTheory – Theories Every Careers Adviser Should Know [Internet] 2015 [cited 2019 October 23]. Available from: https://runninginaforest.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/john-krumboltz-planned-happenstance-plannetheory-theories-every-careers-adviser-should-know/.