Perceived Stress and Coping Mechanisms Observed in Osteopathic Medical Students

Authors

  • Emily Madrak The University of Virginia
  • Jennifer Volberding Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Abstract

Background

 This research investigated perceived stress (PS) in osteopathic medical students and if selected coping skills (CS) increase or decrease PS, what demographics have greater amounts of PS, and the CS most often used. We were interested in determining how this could affect life in medical school.

Methods

Participants from a College of Osteopathic Medicine completed a survey consisting of the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Coping Orientation to Problem Experience Inventory. Perceived Stress and CS were analyzed separately using independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, ANOVAs, and Kruskal-Wallis Tests. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine a relationship between PS and CS.

Results

 Medical students experienced moderate PS, M=15.91, (SD=7.60). Venting and mental disengagement demonstrated increases in PS while emotional support and planning demonstrated decreases in PS. Females demonstrated greater levels of the following in comparison to males: PS (M=18.50, SD=7.28), males (M=13.81, SD=7.29), t(65)=2.62, p=0.01, venting, females (Mdn=10.00) males (Mdn=7), U(Nfem=30, Nmales=37)=258.00, z= -3.77, p<0.00. and emotional support, females (Mdn = 13.50) males (Mdn = 11.00), U(Nfem=30, Nmales=37)=390.50, z= -2.09, p<0.05. Males demonstrated greater restraint, males (M=11.16, SD=2.85), females (M=9.87, SD=2.21), t(65)= -2.04, p < 0.05. Significance in school-year was observed with humor, X2(3)=8.20, p=0.04. Third-year students demonstrated greater use of humor than second-years, MD= -3.65, p=0.04. Multiple regression revealed increases in PS with mental disengagement and venting, (β =0.35, t(50)=3.90, p<0.00); (β = 0.56, t(50)=5.27, p<0.00), and decreases in PS with emotional support (β = -0.26, t(50)= -2.28, p=0.03), and planning (β= -0.34, t(50)= -2.70, p <0.01).

Conclusion

 The level of PS may be associated with greater levels of depression which can impact performance in medical school and as a future professional. Maladaptive emotion-focused CS such as venting and mental disengagement demonstrate a relationship to increased PS, while action-oriented CS like planning demonstrate a relationship with decreased PS.

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Published

2024-12-12

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2024): Article

Section

Medical Education

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