Cognitive Distortions in Physician Guilt: Gaining Insight and Enhancing Wellness Through Media.

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Psychology
• Media Studies

Background:

• Physicians frequently encounter adverse patient outcomes, leading to potential feelings of guilt.
• Undeserved guilt can contribute to moral injury, physician burnout, and even suicide.
• Understanding and managing physician guilt is crucial for professional well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine examples of physician guilt in popular media (television and movies).
• To identify cognitive distortions associated with physician guilt.
• To provide a resource for physicians to gain insight into their own feelings of guilt.

Main Methods:

• Searched Google and ChatGPT for media examples of physician guilt and trauma.
• Reviewed search results for 5 cognitive distortions from cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Analyzed 7 selected movies and television episodes through the lens of cognitive distortions.

Main Results:

• Multiple cognitive distortions were identified that contribute to physician guilt.
• Cognitive restructuring, by challenging and replacing inaccurate thoughts, can mitigate guilt.
• Popular media offers a third-party perspective for physicians to analyze their experiences.

Conclusions:

• Comparing personal feelings to media characters can enhance understanding of undeserved guilt.
• This approach facilitates physician self-reflection on difficult experiences and feelings.
• Media analysis can inform strategies to mitigate adverse effects on physician wellness.