Chiropractic interns' perceptions of stress and confidence

Area of Science:

• Chiropractic education
• Medical education research
• Student well-being

Background:

• Psychological stress impacts learning and performance in medical and graduate students.
• Limited research exists on psychological stress among chiropractic students and interns.
• This study addresses a gap in understanding stress and confidence in chiropractic interns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore chiropractic interns' perceptions of stress and confidence.
• To investigate the relationship between stress and confidence during professional training.
• To identify factors influencing stress and confidence in this population.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study employing a mixed-methods approach.
• Utilized rating scales and modified qualitative methods for data collection.
• Eighty-eight chiropractic interns provided quantitative and narrative data.

Main Results:

• Interns reported diverse sources of stress, including time pressure and performance concerns.
• Stress and confidence levels were inversely correlated.
• Faculty behaviors such as conveying respect and providing real-world learning guidance were associated with reduced stress and increased confidence.

Conclusions:

• Chiropractic interns face significant stress, managed through various coping mechanisms.
• The quality and consistency of faculty feedback significantly influence intern confidence.
• Educator awareness of intern perceptions is crucial for enhancing teaching effectiveness and supporting student development.