Stress levels among pre-clinical medical students and their coping strategies

Akhtar, M. H., Ashfaq, A., Khalid, A. M., & Baig, M. (2023). Stress levels among pre-clinical medical students and their coping strategies. Journal of Medical and Dental College, 14 (1), 524-528.

Stress is a prevalent issue for many people, particularly medical students. Understanding how different personality types cope with stress can bring insights into effective strategies and techniques to manage it. This study measured anxiety, depression, and stress coping styles among medical students and correlated the results with the Extraversion–Introversion scale of the MBTI^® instrument.

Out of 158 students, more than half reported having stress. Stress was significantly associated with personality type (Extraversion), coping style (avoidant), and gender (female). Surprisingly, students with a preference for Extraversion reported more stress, which goes against previous studies that showed a preference for Introversion typically reported more stress. Notably, the authors point out that this study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social lives were significantly limited.

In the sample, 68% were female and 31% were male. Preferences for Introversion and Extraversion were 63% and 37%, respectively. Most students employed an approach coping style (91%) rather than an avoidant coping style (9%), with an approach coping style used across preferences for Introversion and Extraversion.

To manage stress, students use various approach-style strategies, including time management, social support, and relaxation techniques. The article underscores the importance of addressing stress in medical education and suggests that institutions should provide better support systems to help students cope more effectively.

ARTICLE PERMALINK: https://www.myersbriggs.org/research-and-library/journal-psychological-type/stress-levels-among-pre-clinical-medical-students/

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