Satisfaction with learning and life in physical therapy student: a 4 year longitudinal study

[Purpose] To examine the longitudinal satisfaction with learning and life according to gender over 4 years, from the first- to the fourth-year levels, in physical therapy students. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 41 males and 33 females enrolled in the International University of Health and Welfare in March 2016. Satisfaction levels were longitudinally assessed from the end of the first- to fourth-year levels using a visual analog scale. [Results] In the males, satisfaction with learning and life in the second year was significantly lower than that in the fourth year. The high and low satisfaction levels in the second year were related to the fourth-year satisfaction level. On the other hand, no significant differences were found during the 4 years in the females. However, satisfaction with life in the second and third years also reflects satisfaction with learning in the fourth year. [Conclusion] Our results suggest gender-related differences in the patterns of the longitudinal changes in satisfaction level. The levels of satisfaction with learning and life changed in the males. Satisfaction decreased significantly in the second year of university life. Thus, assistance from the second year is important. Among the female students, assistance for satisfaction with life is important.