Reconsidering psychological safety from the perspective of personality organization levels

In medical education, psychological safety in teams and organizations facilitates problem solving in healthcare teams and learning opportunities for learners. Based on four types of organizational climate, this study examines the interventions needed for each type of team and organization to increase psychological safety and create an environment in which learners can learn independently and effectively. In considering interventions, the concept of three levels of personality organization, a framework for psychological assessment, seems to be valuable. Based on the overlap between the four types of organizational climate and the three levels of personality organization, the “Apathy Zone” requires educators and learners to reestablish autonomy rooted in reality. In the “Anxiety Zone,” the challenge is for educators to recognize their own limitations and be willing to understand learners. In the “Comfort Zone,” educators must respect learners’ autonomy while observing norms. Both educators and learners must distinguish between the realms of self and others, focusing on essential goals. The “Learning Zone” requires educators and learners to move without overthinking to achieve essential goals. The psychological perspective provides guidance for understanding the formation of organizational climate and considering specific interventions.