A Gift You Give Yourself: A Preemptive Intervention for Student Mental Health

Burnout, stress, and compromised mental health are known issues for clinical trainees. Various interventions have shown efficacy, but they are generally training-based and therefore not practical for "just in time" use when a student is struggling. Stigma surrounding mental health is another challenge to this aspect of wellness.

At the beginning of their training, physician assistant (PA) students from 3 cohorts at Butler University wrote short reflections on resiliency and their motivation for training. This, along with an encouraging note from a faculty member, was placed in a box and wrapped. Students then kept the box to open during a time of stress or self-doubt. An anonymous survey about this intervention was sent to these students in April 2021.

Almost all survey respondents remembered the activity and had a positive impression of it. Nearly half opened the gift box during their training, with a majority opening it during the didactic phase rather than the clinical phase. Most of those who opened the gift box viewed it favorably. Participants reported high levels of self-stigma regarding mental health and help-seeking.

The gift box intervention was well-received and used by many students. This is a "just in time" intervention to support struggling learners when they need it most, as opposed to most interventions that are more structured in their delivery and use. The high level of self-stigma for mental health help-seeking is a concern and warrants continued investigation.