Relationship between risk propensity and value system of students studying military medical professions

BACKGROUND: This paper examines the relationship between risk propensity and the value system of students studying military medical professions. Understanding how commitment to certain values and the willingness to take risks for their sake influence military duty performance is an important task of social psychology. The Spearman correlation and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to identify significant differences in value priority depending on risk propensity (considering groups with low and moderate propensity). We found that adherence to values also differed in men and women. AIM: To study the level of risk propensity and value systems among students at a military medical university. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 97 applicants to the Military Medical Academy, aged 17 to 30 years (16 women and 81 men), were surveyed using the Risk Propensity Study by Shmelyov and Value Systems method by Rokich. Spearman correlation and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to identify a statistical relationship between risk propensity and significant differences in value selection depending on sex. RESULTS: Using correlation analysis, we identified a statistically significant, weak inverse correlation between risk propensity and high expectations, as well as aspirations for life (ρ=–0.223, 95% confidence interval [CI] –0.406…–0.21; p=0.028) and courage in defending one’s opinion (ρ=–0.210, 95% CI –0.390…–0.10; p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that risk propensity is associated with a distinct set of values that guide individuals in making best decisions in stressful situations.