Personality variables of the professional are an essential determinant of the stress experienced by a professional and the active steps taken to cope with or counter those problems.
Aim of the study: To verify this hypothesis, an analysis of the relationship between personality variables of specialists of the various fields and their individual patterns in dealing with professional demands was conducted.
Material and methods: 30 each of general practitioners and surgeons constituted the study material, whose personality traits levels and patterns of coping behaviour and work-related attitudes (AVEM) were measured.
Results: Comparing the results obtained in the two groups of specialists, a significant differentiation in the levels of their personality traits, as well as within patterns applicable when dealing with professional demands and strains (p < .001). Among surgeons risk pattern A (The 'Excessively-ambitious' pattern), whereas among general practitioners risk pattern B (The Resigned/burnout' pattern).
Conclusions: The results of the study confirm the postulate that allows for personality variables in research in coping behaviour patterns (AVEM) and in prophylactic or remedial programmes created for concrete professional groups.