A study testing the effects of a stress-resilience training programme on the well-being of graduate-entry medical students
This study at Swansea University looked into how a special training program could help medical students deal with stress. Medical school can be very demanding, and students often face stress, anxiety, and feel burnt out. This research tested a mindfulness-based program, called Enhanced Stress-Resilience Training (ESRT), to see if it could help students manage these feelings better. The study involved students from the Graduate Entry Medicine program. Some students took part in the ESRT program, which included five online sessions focusing on mindfulness and stress management. Others had weekly discussions on health topics. All participants filled out questionnaires over several months, and some also shared their experiences in interviews. The goal was to find practical ways to support students' well-being.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Medical school is a really challenging time, and it's common for students to feel a lot of stress, worry, and even exhaustion. This is often called 'burnout.' This study, run at Swansea University, wanted to find better ways to help medical students cope with these pressures and build up their ability to bounce back from tough times.
The researchers developed a special program called Enhanced Stress-Resilience Training (ESRT). This program teaches students skills like mindfulness and how to manage their emotions, which are important for dealing with stress. The study aimed to find out if taking part in this short, online program could make a real difference in how well students handled the demands of their medical training.
Ultimately, the hope is that by understanding how to better support medical students' mental well-being, they will be more resilient, perform better in their studies, and be healthier individuals as they train to become doctors. This kind of research is important for making sure future healthcare professionals are well-supported from the very beginning of their careers.
Key takeaways
- Medical students often face high levels of stress and anxiety.
- The study explored if a mindfulness-based training program could help students manage stress.
- The program was called Enhanced Stress-Resilience Training (ESRT).
- Participants were Swansea University medical students, aged 21 and over.
- Students either took part in the ESRT or a discussion group.
- The study aimed to improve students' well-being and their ability to cope with pressure.
Who may be eligible?
This study was open to students who were enrolled in the Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) program at Swansea University Medical School. This program is for students who already have a first university degree before starting medical school.
Most students in this program are aged 21 or older, with many in their early to mid-twenties. However, a small number of slightly older students, sometimes up to their late forties, were also part of this program and therefore eligible for the study.
If you were not a student on the Graduate Entry Medicine program at Swansea University, or if you couldn't commit to attending the training sessions, then you would not have been able to take part in this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a student on the Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) program at Swansea University Medical School?
- Were you able to commit to attending weekly online sessions?
- Are you generally aged 21 or older (though maturity varies)?
- Are you interested in learning new ways to manage stress and improve your well-being?
What does participation involve?
If you took part in this study, you would have been randomly placed into one of two groups, much like flipping a coin. One group participated in the Enhanced Stress-Resilience Training (ESRT) program. This involved attending five online sessions, each lasting about an hour, once a week. These sessions focused on mindfulness, understanding and managing emotions, and general stress management.
The other group took part in weekly online discussion sessions, also lasting about an hour, but these focused on health-related topics within medical education. Both groups completed online questionnaires three times: once before the program started, again after the five weeks were over, and then a final time six months later. Additionally, some students were invited to share their personal experiences through online interviews, written feedback, or group discussions.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Swansea UniversityApproximateSwansea, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'burnout'?
Burnout is a state of physical or emotional exhaustion from long-term stress, often felt when you're overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.
What is 'resilience'?
Resilience is your ability to bounce back and adapt well in the face of stress, adversity, or challenging life circumstances.
What is 'mindfulness'?
Mindfulness is a type of meditation where you focus on being aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the present moment, without judgment.
Was this study just for young students?
No, while many students in the Graduate Entry Medicine program are younger, the study was open to all eligible students, including those who might be older, even up to their late forties.
Who funded this research?
The study was funded by the BMA Foundation for Medical Research, which is a UK organisation.
How to find out more
Andrew Kemp
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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