Predictors of Stress, Burnout, and Well-Being in Postgraduate Dental Residency Training: A Prospective Study
Abstract
Introduction: Postgraduate training is challenging and stressful. Several studies have shown that medical residencies have short and long-term effects on emotional health, physical functioning, and social relationships in residents. Most of these studies have also looked at the relationship between stress and burnout through self-report measures at one time point. However there has been no study exploring presence and change in stress and burnout in graduate dental residency training. In addition, previous research has not explored the impact of residency training on autonomic balance. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine if stress and burnout among Naval Postgraduate Dental School (NPDS) residents increased during a three-month period. Secondary aims included 1) exploring potential buffering effects of self-care activities such as diet and exercise on stress and burnout and, 2) exploring the association among stress and burnout with autonomic balance. Methods: Study participants were residents attending the NPDS (n=21). All study participants completed two identical self-report and physiological assessments three months apart. Assessments included psychological, physical, social functioning, and self-care activities. Results: No change was found in perceived stress or autonomic balance between the two time points (ps>.05). Level of reported burnout changed significantly with more residents reporting significant burnout (p<0.05). Neither Time 2 burnout nor perceived stress were significantly associated with diet or exercise at time 1 or Time 2 (ps<0.05). Time 2 burnout was significantly correlated with social support (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in exercise level (p<0.05). Conclusions: It is evident that dental residency becomes more stressful over time. There may also be a seasonal impact here.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1128482
Entities
People
- Arbel Maghsoodpour
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences