Sources of stress and interpersonal support among first-year dental students

Sixty-three first-year dental students were surveyed to gather information regarding sources of stress within the dental school environment and sources of interpersonal support. The results indicated that, as a group, dental students feel most stressed in regard to demands on their time, mastery of the volume of material presented, and inconsistent feedback from faculty. Significant sex differences emerged, with women reporting more stress associated with peer competition, fear of failure, fear of falling behind, and lack of positive feedback. Analysis of interpersonal support data revealed that women reported fewer peers as part of their support networks, especially in regard to task-oriented interactions. Possible strategies for reducing environmental stress and the development of support services for female students are considered in light of the findings.