Traditional medical curricula are widely criticised. Medical students show a higher prevalence of psychological distress. New problem-based curricula are said to promote higher satisfaction with medical schools and lower psychological distress. This goes together with achievement comparable to traditional curricula. A study with preclinical medical students in a traditional (Göttingen, n = 126) and an alternative (Witten/Herdecke, n = 25) medical curriculum was carried through, concerning subjective wellbeing (depression/anxiety), locus of control and primary personality traits. Students in the problem-oriented curriculum show lower prevalence of psychological distress and less experience of powerlessness and fatalism (external locus of control). There is no striking difference in the primary personality traits. Results are discussed with respect to long-term evaluation of future alternative curricula in Germany.