55 - Exploring Associations Between Medical Education, Coping Skills, and Stress Among Pre-Med Students, Medical Students, and Medical Residents
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
The increased prevalence of stress within medical education is of growing concern. Prior research has shown that medical students have increased stress levels on a global scale (Atkinson, 2020). This is particularly concerning because prolonged periods of increased stress can increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, cancer, and strokes (Birk, 2023). The current study aims to obtain information on relevant psychological factors that may improve our understanding on how stress levels and coping skills progress throughout medical education. Specifically, pre-med students, medical students, and medical residents will be recruited across ODU’s campuses. They will be asked to complete several psychological batteries and complete a N-Back task to obtain a deeper understanding of stress levels, coping skills, and their impact the student’s working memory. Through data analyzation, the research team will gain a better understanding of how individuals in different phases of the future physician's journey handle stress. The prevalence and dangers regarding long-term stress (Alizadehgoradel et al., 2019; Birk, 2023) make early interventions within the students journey essential to mitigating negative effects as they continue their career. Additionally, as well-being efforts increase among graduate medical education, exploring a positive progression in students coping skills will provide information about the efficacy of these efforts. Lastly, the ability to compare each type of student and their stressors/stress levels will also allow further specifications as to how to best help learners at each academic level.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Yang, Dr. Fanning
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Psychology Department, Graduate Medical Education
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Psychology
55 - Exploring Associations Between Medical Education, Coping Skills, and Stress Among Pre-Med Students, Medical Students, and Medical Residents
The increased prevalence of stress within medical education is of growing concern. Prior research has shown that medical students have increased stress levels on a global scale (Atkinson, 2020). This is particularly concerning because prolonged periods of increased stress can increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, cancer, and strokes (Birk, 2023). The current study aims to obtain information on relevant psychological factors that may improve our understanding on how stress levels and coping skills progress throughout medical education. Specifically, pre-med students, medical students, and medical residents will be recruited across ODU’s campuses. They will be asked to complete several psychological batteries and complete a N-Back task to obtain a deeper understanding of stress levels, coping skills, and their impact the student’s working memory. Through data analyzation, the research team will gain a better understanding of how individuals in different phases of the future physician's journey handle stress. The prevalence and dangers regarding long-term stress (Alizadehgoradel et al., 2019; Birk, 2023) make early interventions within the students journey essential to mitigating negative effects as they continue their career. Additionally, as well-being efforts increase among graduate medical education, exploring a positive progression in students coping skills will provide information about the efficacy of these efforts. Lastly, the ability to compare each type of student and their stressors/stress levels will also allow further specifications as to how to best help learners at each academic level.