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An Intervention in Social Connection: Medical Student Reflection Groups
Jessica A Gold1, Jessica P Bentzley2, Amanda M Franciscus2
1Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. jgold@wustl.edu.
Summary
Medical student reflection groups, led by psychiatry residents, show promise in reducing loneliness and improving social connection. These interventions may enhance empathy and self-awareness, crucial for well-being in medical education.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychiatry
- Student Wellness
Background:
- Medical student mental health is a significant concern, with higher rates of depression and suicide compared to peers.
- Existing wellness interventions lack focus on social support.
- Reflection groups offer a novel approach to address social support deficits in medical schools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and implement reflection groups for medical students led by psychiatry residents.
- To evaluate the impact of these groups on peer connectedness, coping skills, emotional self-awareness, empathy, and loneliness.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of reflection groups as a wellness intervention.
Main Methods:
- Voluntary, biweekly reflection groups were conducted for first- and second-year medical students over two cohorts (2017-2018).
- Participants completed baseline and 6-month surveys assessing qualitative feedback, empathy, wellness, and loneliness.
- Attrition rates were monitored, and analyses included descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Participating students reported improved well-being (83.4% agreed/strongly agreed), enhanced self-awareness (83.3% agreed/strongly agreed), increased empathy (77.8% agreed/strongly agreed), and stronger peer connection (94.4% agreed/strongly agreed).
- Initial attrition was high (84%) due to academic overload.
- Thematic analysis indicated benefits in reducing impostor syndrome and loneliness.
Conclusions:
- Reflection groups may foster connection, decrease loneliness, and improve social belonging among medical students.
- These groups can enhance self-awareness, empathy, and collaborative skills, contributing to better patient care.
- Preliminary evidence suggests reflection groups are a feasible and effective intervention for medical student well-being.
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