Abstract: Objective To explore the characteristics of self-esteem and coping styles between the medical students and non-medical majors in medical colleges. Methods 150 medical students and another 150 non-medical students from a medical school were selected randomly, each of participants took self-esteem and coping style scale for research. Results (1) Non-medical students’ overall sense of self-worth was higher than that of the medical students (t=2.43, P<0.05). The score on general sense of self-worth for non-medical students, including personal orientation(t=2.38, P<0.05) and social orientation (t=2.38, P<0.05) was higer than that of medical students. There was no signiifcant difference between the two groups concerning special sense of self-worth. (2) The score on mature coping style types for non-medical students was higer than that in medical students (t=3.07, P<0.01). (3) Students’ coping styles were associated with theirs presence of self-worth. Conclusion We suggest that in order to improve students' self-esteem, mature coping style, and shape a healthier personality, medical colleges should try to design better courses, training goals and directions of running the optimal based on the different personality traits of medical and non-medical students.

Key words: applied psychology, non-medical professional students, self-worth, coping styles