Abstract

Perceiving is an important aspect in Homoeopathic case taking. According to studies, perception is many times determined by the personality. Hence it is important to understand influence of personality in perceiving patient, his totality and subsequent remedy. Through the review of literature it was found Carl Jung’s personality theory to be more complete in itself.

The study was conducted where P.G students were oriented about this study and the volunteers amongst them were given first, the EPI. After analyzing the EPI the physicians were classified into predominantly extroverted and predominantly Introverted Personality types based on their EPI scores. Then the cases taken by them were analyzed on different parameters to study influence of their personality types. Certain Observations were made and analysis was done as mentioned is mentioned prior:

The number of extroverts (74%) who volunteered for this study was more than the Introverts(26%). Hence probably as compared to Extroverts the Introverts are usually not open to any process which will demand being introspective and which will subject them to any kind of self assessment. Close or friendly relationships with the patients was formed by most of the physicians (21 out of total 30 cases) irrespective of their personality type. Considering the review of literature one doesn’t expect Introverts to form very close relationships. But in this study it was found that the personality type doesn’t have influenced much in the type of relationship formed.(53.33% extroverts and 46.67% Introverts formed close relationships). Such relationships land up the physicians into strong emotional states such as Irritation, rejection, getting sympathized etc. and only in 6 cases the physicians have been able to handle their emotions Hence irrespective of their personality type the physicians have most of the times (24 cases) been unable to overcome their emotions.

The life areas explored by both the personality types, it was found that no significant observations were found as regards to personality type of the PP. The kind of interview skills used by the PPs was also studied. It was found that Extroverts mostly would question (61.53%) and explore their patients but do minimum of receiving while Introverts were mostly on a receptive mode (81.81%).. Also there are certain skills otherwise such as role playing, guiding, couselling, empathizing etc were not at all seen in these cases.

Usually we know that two people cannot perceive same patient in a similar manner due to prejudices arising out of our upbringing, past experiences, values etc. In the 30 cases, it was seen that 17 cases were defined by similar personality types out of which in 12 cases the perception came out to be similar of both the physicians irrespective of their background, upbringing and past experiences. Whereas 13 cases were defined by physicians of opposite personality types where only in 4 cases the perception of both PP and observer were same while in 9 cases the perception was different. Also there were 3 cases in which the Introverts were able to overcome their anxieties and emotions as they before going for the case definitions had become consciously aware and had anticipated it. Thus a training to the physicians of formulating a prior problem definition and a process which would make aware about self would help the physicians to overcome the liabilities of their own personality type.