What does this research mean for the field?

There is no statistically significant difference in overall career motivation between male and female students of human medicine and psychology, but the factors driving this motivation differ by gender, with role models and networking being key for women and the desire for power being key for men. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine gender-specific differences in career motivation and identify associated contributing factors among students of human medicine and psychology in Switzerland and Germany.

August 27, 2026BMC Medical EducationOpen Access

A cross-sectional analysis of career motivation: gender-specific differences among students of human medicine and psychology in Switzerland and Germany

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Authors

BWBenny WohlfarthUniversity of Bern ESEllen Surdel FSFelix SchmitzInstitut für biologische Forschung

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Implication

Cross-sectional study reveals comparable career motivation between male and female medical and psychology students, indicating distinct gender-specific drivers for professional goals.

Key Points

To examine gender-specific differences in career motivation and identify associated contributing factors among students of human medicine and psychology in Switzerland and Germany.
Conducted a cross-sectional survey using a structured, validated instrument administered to students of human medicine and psychology in Germany and Switzerland (N=373 included from N=530 responses).
Career motivation levels did not differ significantly between male and female students (p = .06) and showed no significant change over the course of studies.
Career motivation in female students was statistically associated with role models, mentors, networking, self-efficacy, and ambition, whereas in male students it was statistically associated with the idea of having power.

Cite This Study

Wohlfarth et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8fea3310c91c1e926224ac https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-026-10137-6

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Implication

Cross-sectional study reveals comparable career motivation between male and female medical and psychology students, indicating distinct gender-specific drivers for professional goals.

A cross-sectional analysis of career motivation: gender-specific differences among students of human medicine and psychology in Switzerland and Germany

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

A cross-sectional analysis of career motivation: gender-specific differences among students of human medicine and psychology in Switzerland and Germany

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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