A comparison of stress levels, coping styles and psychological morbidity between graduate-entry and traditional undergraduate medical students during the first 2 years at a UK medical school

Stress levels and psychological morbidity are high among undergraduate medical students (UGs), but there is a lack of research into the psychological health of UK graduate-entry medical students (GEs). GEs are likely to experience different (perhaps more severe) stressors and to cope with stress dif...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMC research notes 2017-02, Vol.10 (1), p.93-93, Article 93
Main Authors: Zvauya, R, Oyebode, F, Day, E J, Thomas, C P, Jones, L A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological - physiology
Adult
Colleges & universities
Consent
Cross-Sectional Studies
Education, Medical, Graduate - statistics & numerical data
Education, Medical, Undergraduate - statistics & numerical data
Female
Humans
Male
Physicians
Psychiatry
Stress, Psychological - epidemiology
Stress, Psychological - psychology
Students, Medical - psychology
Students, Medical - statistics & numerical data
United Kingdom - epidemiology
Young Adult
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Summary:Stress levels and psychological morbidity are high among undergraduate medical students (UGs), but there is a lack of research into the psychological health of UK graduate-entry medical students (GEs). GEs are likely to experience different (perhaps more severe) stressors and to cope with stress differently. We compared stress levels, psychological morbidity and coping styles in GE versus UG medical students studying at the same UK medical school in the same academic year. A cross-sectional self-rated questionnaire study of all first- and second-year GE and UG medical students was conducted. Perceived stress, psychological morbidity, recent adverse life events, stress-related personality traits and coping styles were assessed using standard questionnaires. 75% GEs and 46% UGs responded to the questionnaire. Both groups reported equally high levels, and similar profiles of, perceived stress and psychological morbidity. Levels of recent adverse life events and stress-related personality traits were similar in both groups. Compared to UGs, GEs were more likely to use active coping (p = 0.02) and positive reframing (p = 0.03), but were also more likely to use substances (alcohol and other drugs; p 
ISSN:1756-0500
1756-0500
DOI:10.1186/s13104-017-2395-1