Objective Predictors of Grit, Self-Control, and Conscientiousness in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applicants.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify objective predictors of grit, self-control, and conscientiousness in orthopaedic surgery residency applicants. The following attributes were assessed in 455 applicants: grit, self-control, conscientiousness, consistency of interest, perseverance of effort, and ambition. These measures were correlated with standard, objective demographics obtained during the application process. Alpha Omega Alpha status, additional degrees, and number of publications did not predict any of the studied attributes. Grit increased with age (P < 0.001) but decreased with increasing board scores (P = 0.004). Former collegiate athletes demonstrated greater grit (P < 0.001), consistency of interest (P = 0.007), perseverance (P = 0.006), and self-control (P = 0.019). Female applicants demonstrated more grit (P = 0.044), consistency of interest (P = 0.003), and conscientiousness (P = 0.029) than males. Applicants with military experience had increased ambition (P = 0.033) and conscientiousness (P = 0.001). Overall, orthopaedics applicants possess increased grit compared with the general public, and a number of objective variables reliably predicted the studied attributes. Level III, Cross-sectional study.