Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
Online learning is a growing area in occupational therapy education. It is important for faculty to use the modality of online learning to understand the influence of student personality traits, defined as relatively stable characteristics that influence thinking and behavior, on student satisfaction and success in graduate level programs. By understanding the influence of personality traits, faculty can better develop online materials that are flexible enough to support individuals who may have a higher risk of low satisfaction and success. There has been plentiful research in the areas of education and psychology assessing the influence of personality on the online learning experience. The goal of this systematic review was to collect, evaluate, and synthesize this literature to provide guidance to faculty working in or developing online courses or programs in occupational therapy. This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration methodology and reporting is consistent with the PRISMA guidelines. The article search included January 2000 through June 2024. After duplicates were removed 848 articles remained, ultimately 99 were eligible for a full text review, and 23 were included in the three themes which were synthesized based on design and type of online education. The review highlights what is currently known related to the influence of personality type on online education. The information can be used to help sensitize educators to the influence different personality types can have when teaching online courses.
Biography
Elizabeth G. Hunter, PhD, MS, OTR/L is an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy. She has a PhD in gerontology and a strong research background. Dr. Hunter is the Research Methodologist for AOTA in their Evidence Based Practice unit, which develops clinical systematic reviews and ultimately occupational therapy practice guidelines.
Jayna Niblock, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCP is an Assistant Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for BGSU. She has a PhD in Educational Leadership and is board certified in pediatric practice. She is passionate about making OT education more accessible for learners form diverse and under-represented backgrounds.
Samantha M. Barefoot, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, BCPR is an Assistant Clinical Professor. She specializes in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation for adults and older adults, emphasizing interprofessional and evidence-based approaches. Board-certified in physical rehabilitation, she serves on Ohio's Interprofessional Consortium with scholarship focusing on interprofessional education and student health and well-being.
Jackson Miller, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS is an Assistant Clinical Professor at BGSU. His expertise spans acute care, home health rehabilitation, and occupational therapy education. He has worked primarily with adult and older adult populations and understands the challenges clients face when it comes to aging successfully in their homes.
Jason Hughes, PhD, MS, OTR/L is a seasoned occupational therapist with vast experience as a clinician and educator. With over 15 years of experience in occupational therapy, Dr. Hughes currently serves as the Director of the Bowling Green State University Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
Lydia Kite, OTD, OTR/L is an Assistant Clinical Professor at BGSU. She specializes in ergonomics, injury prevention, and aging in place. With years of teaching and clinical expertise in diverse rehabilitation and nonprofit settings, she focuses on sustainable care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Edith Scarletto, MLIS is an Associate Professor at BGSU and is a librarian for health sciences. She earned her Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University. She has published on GIS services in libraries, recruiting, hiring, and diversity and inclusion in Academic Libraries.
Declaration of Interest
This project was funded by a grant from Evidence In Motion SoTL-UP Faculty Research Grant Award.
Recommended Citation
Hunter, E. G., Niblock, J., Barefoot, S., Miller, J., Hughes, J., Kite, L., & Scarletto, E. (2025). The Influence of Student Personality Traits on Satisfaction and Success in Online Education in Higher Education: A Systematic Review. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (2). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol9/iss2/9
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