Machiavellianism and Aspirations as Predictors of Quality of Life and Subjective Happiness among Interning Doctors and Practicing Doctors

Abstract

The present quantitative study adopts a between group design to assess the difference between interning doctors and practicing doctors in the levels of Machiavellianism, aspirations, quality of life and subjective happiness. A correlational design was also employed to determine if quality of life and subjective happiness can be predicted by Machiavellianism and its dimensions of amorality, desire for status, desire for control and distrust of others; and aspirations and its dimensions of wealth, fame, image, personal growth, relationships, community, and health. Purposive Sampling and Snowball Sampling techniques were used to collect data from 100 interning and 100 practicing doctors. Independent t-test results showed that practicing doctors were significantly higher on Machiavellianism and its dimensions of amorality, desire for status and distrust of others; aspirations, its dimension of image, community, health, and physical quality of life. Interning doctors were higher on desire for control, fame aspirations, psychological health and overall quality of life. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that personal growth and health aspirations predicted quality of life in interning doctors and Machiavellianism, amorality; wealth, fame, image, community and health aspirations predicted quality of life among practicing doctors. Health aspiration was a predictor of subjective happiness in interning doctors. In practicing doctors, amorality, desire for status, distrust of others; wealth, fame, image, personal growth, relationships, community and health aspirations were predictors of subjective happiness. In present day India the rapidly changing and overburdened healthcare system has affected the well being of health care professionals and the present study throws light on to some factors that may influence quality of life and happiness of doctors in India.