scholarly journals Medical Students’ Stress Levels and Sense of Well Being after Six Weeks of Yoga and Meditation

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lona Prasad ◽  
Aneesha Varrey ◽  
Giovanni Sisti
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Personal Wellbeing ◽  
Reducing Stress

Objective. To determine the effect of six weeks of yoga and meditation on medical students’ levels of perceived stress and sense of wellbeing prior to taking their exams. Methods. We conducted a prospective case-control study of first-through-third-year medical students at our academic institution, measuring levels of perceived stress and sense of wellbeing before and after a six-week yoga and meditation intervention. Questionnaires used for evaluation included the perceived stress scale (PSS) and self-assessment surveys (SAS). The postintervention surveys were completed on the day of the students’ written exams. Results. A total of thirteen women and fourteen men participated. Median age was 28 (24 yrs–32 yrs). 48.1% were Caucasian, 7.4% Black, 11.1% Hispanic, 11.1% Asian, and 22.2% other. Paired t-tests showed a statistically significant reduction in perceived stress (18.44 versus 14.52; p=0.004) after the six-week yoga and meditation program. After the yoga intervention, self-assessment survey results showed a significant improvement in feelings of peace, focus, and endurance. Improvements in happiness, positivity, personal satisfaction, and self-confidence were also seen. An improvement in unsubstantiated parameters such as patience and fatigue was observed. Conclusion. Yoga and meditation may be effective in reducing stress levels and improving aspects of personal wellbeing in medical students.

Simulation of childbirth improves clinical management capacity and self-confidence in medical students

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 184-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Mannella ◽  
Rachele Antonelli ◽  
María Magdalena Montt-Guevara ◽  
Marta Caretto ◽  
Giulia Palla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Normal Cycle ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Physiological Childbirth

Background The learning process of physiological mechanisms of childbirth and its management are important elements in the education of medical students. In this study, we verify how the use of a high-fidelity simulator of childbirth improves competence of students in this regard.Methods A total of 132 medical students were recruited for the study in order to attend a physiological childbirth in a no-hospital environment after being assigned to two groups. The control group received only a normal cycle of lectures, while the simulation (SIM) group followed a specific training session on the simulator. Subsequently, both groups were assessed for their technical and non-technical skills in a simulated childbirth. Also, a self-assessment test regarding their self-confidence was administrated before and after simulation, and repeated after 8 weeks.Results The SIM group showed better performance in all the domains with a better comprehension of the mechanisms of childbirth, managing and assistance of labour and delivery. In addition, compared to the control group, they presented a better self-related awareness and self-assurance regarding the possibility of facing a birth by themselves.Conclusion The present study demonstrated that the use of a high-fidelity simulator for medical students allows a significant improvement in the acquisition of theoretical and technical expertise to assist a physiological birth.

Effect of coloring on student stress levels

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
April Powell, CTRS, BRLS ◽  
Katlyn Alcorn, CTRS, BRLS ◽  
Kaitlin Lindsay, BRLS
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
Effective Form ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The University ◽  
Reducing Stress

The use of coloring as a form of therapy is relatively new and therefore there is limited research surrounding the topic. This study looked to increase the knowledge base surrounding this topic to better educate those who may find it useful, such as students, educators, or therapists. This study recruited participants aged 18-21 who were full time students at university living away from home. They were asked to complete a self-assessment of their stress levels before and after their participation in a stress induction procedure, as well as after participating in their assigned intervention for 20 minutes. There were three assigned treatments: mandala coloring, traditional coloring, and the control group. This study found statistically significant results supporting the mandala coloring group as an effective intervention for stress reduction. Although only the mandala pattern displayed statistically significant stress reduction, the traditional coloring pattern was able to provide some stress reduction to participants. The control group who sat passively for 20 minutes reported higher stress scores at the end of the study when compared to their initial baseline scores. The findings confirm that coloring is an effective form of therapy when it comes to reducing stress in the university student population.

A Mindfulness Practice for Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate and Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students: Effects on Stress, Self-Compassion, and Perfectionism

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 893-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann R. Beck ◽  
Heidi Verticchio ◽  
Scott Seeman ◽  
Emma Milliken ◽  
Heidi Schaab
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Biological Markers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Biological Stress ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Biological Markers

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of a mindfulness practice on participants' levels of self-compassion, perfectionism, attention, and perceived and biological stress. Method This was a between-groups design. Experimental participants engaged in a short mindfulness practice weekly for one academic semester; control participants did not. All participants completed three self-report scales measuring perceived stress, self-compassion, and perfectionism before and after mindfulness sessions. In addition, electrophysiological measures were taken before and after to determine changes in biological markers of stress and attention. Experimental participants also kept reflective journals that were analyzed qualitatively. Results Compared with control participants, by the end of the semester, experimental participants' perceived stress levels and potentially negative aspects of perfectionism decreased and biological markers of stress and self-compassion improved. Experimental participants' reflective writings indicated they perceived the sessions to be beneficial. Although the results are promising, no significant effect was found for attention. Conclusions Engaging in a 20-min mindfulness practice using simple yoga posture and breath work across an academic semester appears to be effective in reducing students' perceived and biological stress levels and maladaptive aspects of perfectionism and in increasing their self-compassion. These are all factors that can improve students' overall well-being.

scholarly journals Have Lifestyle Habits and Psychological Well-Being Changed among Adolescents and Medical Students Due to COVID-19 Lockdown in Croatia?

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Ružica Dragun ◽  
Nikolina Nika Veček ◽  
Mario Marendić ◽  
Ajka Pribisalić ◽  
Gabrijela Đivić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lifestyle Medicine ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Objective: To investigate dietary habits, sleep and psychological well-being of adolescents and medical students during COVID-19 lockdown in Split, Croatia. Methods: We surveyed 1326 students during 2018 and 2019, and compared their responses with 531 students enrolled in May 2020. Perceived stress, quality of life (QoL), happiness, anxiety, and optimism were assessed as proxies of psychological well-being, using general linear modelling. Results: We found no substantial differences in dietary pattern between pre-lockdown and lockdown periods, including the overall Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence. However, the MD pattern changed, showing increased adherence to the MD pyramid for fruit, legumes, fish, and sweets, while cereals, nuts, and dairy intake decreased during COVID-19 lockdown. A third of students reported weight loss during lockdown, 19% reported weight gain, while physical activity remained rather stable. The most prominent change was feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep, reported by 31.5% of students during lockdown vs. 8.5% before; median length of sleep duration increased by 1.5 h. Lockdown significantly affected QoL, happiness, optimism (all p < 0.001), and perceived stress in students (p = 0.005). MD adherence was positively correlated with QoL and study time, and negatively with TV and mobile phone use in pre-lockdown period (all p < 0.001). Interestingly, higher MD adherence was correlated with less perceived hardship and greater happiness and QoL during lockdown. Conclusion: These insights provide valuable information for tailored interventions aimed at maintaining healthy lifestyle in young population. Given the numerous beneficial effects associated with MD adherence, modification of lifestyle through application of lifestyle medicine deserves a priority approach.

scholarly journals Simulation-based Training for Pelvic and Breast Physical Examination: Effect on the Anxiety and Self-confidence of Medical Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  
pp. 739-745
Author(s):  
Talles Dias Orsi ◽  
Ana Lucia Ribeiro Valadares ◽  
Paula Miranda Esteves Orsi ◽  
Isabella Miranda Esteves Orsi ◽  
Alexandre Sampaio Moura
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Student Anxiety ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Confidence Levels ◽  
Learning Satisfaction ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Breast Examination ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Objective To evaluate factors associated with anxiety and the effect of simulation-based training (SBT) on student anxiety, self-confidence and learning satisfaction in relation to pelvic and breast examination. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted with 4th year medical students at the Universidade José do Rosário Vellano. A 12-item, self-report questionnaire on student anxiety at performing gynecological examinations was applied before and after SBT, with answers being given on a Likert-type scale. After training, the self-confidence levels and satisfaction of the students related to the learning process were also evaluated. Results Eighty students with a mean age of 24.1 ± 4.2 years were included in the study. Of these, 62.5% were women. Pre-SBT evaluation showed that students were more anxious at performing a pelvic examination than a breast examination (2.4 ± 1.0 versus 1.7 ± 0.8, respectively; p < 0.001). The primary reason for anxiety regarding both pelvic and breast examination was fear of hurting the patient. SBT significantly reduced student anxiety (2.0 ± 0.8 versus 1.5 ± 0.5, respectively; p < 0.001). The satisfaction and self-confidence of the students were found to be high (6.8 ± 0.3 and 6.0 ± 0.9, respectively), with no difference between genders. Conclusion The use of SBT in teaching students to perform pelvic and breast examinations resulted in reduced anxiety and increased self-confidence in a group of medical students of both genders, with high levels of satisfaction in relation to the training.

scholarly journals Influence on Forgiveness, Character Strengths and Satisfaction with Life of a Short Mindfulness Intervention via a Spanish Smartphone Application

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 802
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Pizarro-Ruiz ◽  
Nuria Ordóñez-Camblor ◽  
Mario Del-Líbano ◽  
María-Camino Escolar-LLamazares
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Psychological Practice ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Reducing Stress ◽  
Positive Effect

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are a recognized effective psychological practice characterized by attention control, awareness, acceptance, non-reactivity, and non-judgmental thinking obtained through the practice of meditation. They have been shown to be useful in reducing stress and enhancing well-being in different contexts. In this research, the effectiveness of an MBI was evaluated on variables that can promote successful job performance such as mindfulness trait, positive and negative affect, forgiveness, personality strengths and satisfaction with life. The intervention was carried out through a smartphone application called “Aire Fresco” (Fresh Air) during 14 days in the middle of the quarantine produced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study sample was composed of 164 Spanish people who were distributed in two groups: control group and experimental group, which were evaluated before and after the intervention. The MANCOVA performed showed an overall positive effect of the intervention on the variables evaluated. The different ANCOVAs carried out showed that the intervention was beneficial in increasing mindfulness trait, reducing negative affect or increasing life satisfaction, among others. Our study is, as far as we know, the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief intervention in mindfulness conducted using a smartphone application in Spanish.

scholarly journals Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies of Healthcare Workers in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 64-83
Author(s):  
T.V. Doronina ◽  
A.E. Okulova ◽  
E.V. Arcishevskaya
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Coping Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Medical Professionals ◽  
Behavior Strategies

In 2020, the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical workers who are fighting for the lives and health of patients in the "red zones" were on the front line in this struggle. The huge level of responsibility, the increasing duration of shifts, difficult working conditions, fears for their health and the health of their loved ones, and many other factors determined the fact that doctors themselves began to need support for their physical and psychological well-being. The purpose of our work was to study the level of perceived stress in the context of the features of coping strategies in medical professionals with different practical experience (students, practicing doctors) in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of study participants was 59 people, including 35 experienced medical workers aged 33 to 72 years (M=47,88; SD=9,44) and 24 medical students aged 20 to 29 years (M=24,16; SD=3,21) without professional experience, but who voluntarily went to work in the "red zones" during the pandemic. As a result of the study, data were obtained on high levels of perceived stress and overstrain by medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is especially pronounced in students. The differences between experienced doctors and medical students were revealed according to the criterion of their preference for certain coping strategies, namely, the predominance of "Escape–avoidance" coping among students. The connection of dominant coping behavior strategies with the level of perceived stress is also established: students who resort to confrontational coping experience a higher level of perceived stress, and a decrease in their level of overexertion is associated with a greater degree of self-control strategy. Experienced doctors do not have both of these connections.

Improving Lab Culture Through Self-Assessment: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soleil Hernandez ◽  
Raymond Mumme ◽  
Laurence Court ◽  
Daniel El Basha ◽  
Skylar Gay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Self ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Self Assessments ◽  
Team Project

Purpose: Motivated by perceived dissatisfaction within our lab’s changed working environment brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we performed a self-assessment of our lab culture through anonymous surveys and live sessions. Methods: In Survey 1, we asked each lab member to identify and rank up to 10 values that are important for a healthy lab environment. They were then asked to rate how well the lab embodied those values at two time points: before the COVID-19 pandemic while working onsite, and at the time of the survey while working remotely (10 months into the pandemic). In a series of live group sessions, we reviewed relevant literature and the survey results to finalize ten themes. We then reflected on each theme and proposed action items to address any deficiencies. Finally, we conducted Survey 2 after the self-assessment to judge the group's finalized themes, implemented changes, and overall satisfaction with the assessment process. Results: Themes identified were attitude, accountability, teamwork/collaboration, communication, diversity/inclusion, emotional intelligence, integrity, training, well-being, and adaptability in crisis-management. All lab members liked the self-assessment process and felt their voices were heard. On average, there was a 1 2 % increase in satisfaction across all themes from the start to end of the lab assessment. Conclusion: We successfully assessed the culture of our lab and subsequently improved lab member satisfaction. The success of this team project suggests that other scientific labs could benefit from similar interactive self-assessments.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in High School and College Athletes for Reducing Stress and Injury, and Improving Quality of Life

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 578-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haley Petterson ◽  
Bernadette L. Olson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Student Athlete ◽  
Clinical Question ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Negative Thoughts ◽  
Reducing Stress

Clinical Scenario:Student athletes experience a variety of stressors from school and social activities, as well as the additional demands of sport participation. Mindfulness-based interventions can help increase mental awareness and acceptance, as well as mitigate negative thoughts and emotions. The use of mindfulness-based interventions may be beneficial for reducing thoughts of stress, injury reduction, and improving overall wellbeing.Clinical Question:Does the use of mindfulness-based interventions for student-athletes aged 13–24 years reduce stress and injury as well as improve overall quality of life?Summary of Findings:The literature was searched for studies that investigated the use of mindfulness-based strategies for student-athletes specifically for reducing stress and injury and/or improving quality of life. The literature search returned 8 possible studies related to the clinical question and 3 studies met the inclusion criteria (1 randomized control trial, 2 nonrandomized control cohort studies). All 3 included studies demonstrated overall improved levels of mindfulness among student-athletes after the use of a mindfulness-based intervention. Mindfulness-based interventions had positive effects for reducing negative thoughts and levels of perceived stress. The number of injury occurrences were found to decrease following the integration of a mindfulness-based intervention within an athletic population.Clinical Bottom Line:There is sufficient evidence supporting the use of mindfulness-based interventions with student-athletes for increasing mindfulness, managing negative emotions and perceived stress, as well as improving overall well-being. There is also current literature that advocates the use of mindfulness-based interventions for reducing injury, but further research is needed for support.Strength of Recommendation:Grade B evidence exists to support that the use of mindfulness-based interventions for student-athletes will reduce stress and improve overall well-being as well as support the possibility that if a student-athlete is more mindful, it may help decrease risk of injury incurred if the student-athlete is under mental stress.

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