Related Experiment Videos
Factors associated with life satisfaction among practicing internists.
Medical Care
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Physician life satisfaction is linked to personal well-being, not work details. Happier doctors have better health, fewer mental health issues, and stronger social connections, highlighting the importance of life factors beyond the workplace.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Physician well-being is crucial for healthcare quality.
- Understanding factors influencing physician life satisfaction is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between life satisfaction and work, health, and lifestyle factors in practicing internists.
Main Methods:
- A forced stepwise multiple regression analysis was used.
- 211 practicing internists participated in the study.
Main Results:
- 67% of life satisfaction variance was explained by study variables.
- Older age, marriage, frequent sexual activity, fewer arguments/emotional withdrawal from family/friends, fewer health problems, lower anxiety/depression, less job stress, and higher job satisfaction were associated with greater life satisfaction.
- Work setting, type of activity, patient volume, and work hours were not related to life satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Physician life satisfaction is influenced by personal health, mental well-being, and social relationships.
- Work-related variables alone do not fully explain physician quality of life.
- Future assessments should integrate family life, mental health, and social factors alongside work considerations.