Psychosocial factors influencing flourishing in experienced veterinarians: A longitudinal study

Achieving a state of optimal mental health, known as flourishing, is critical for enabling veterinarians to thrive and is an under-represented research topic.

Flourishing, coping strategies and personal resources of experienced veterinarians registered in Australia were surveyed longitudinally at time 1 and time 2. At time 2, the perceived management of stressful life events (SLEs) was also measured.

One hundred and eighty-seven survey responses were received. Higher scores for flourishing and personal resources at time 1, and higher scores for SLEs experienced between time 1 and time 2, were associated with increased flourishing scores over time. A two-way interaction suggested that respondents who perceived they managed at least one SLE poorly had decreased flourishing scores at time 2, whereas respondents who perceived they managed SLEs fairly well or well, or for whom no SLEs were applicable, had increased flourishing scores at time 2. Finally, veterinarians reported higher levels of flourishing when compared to a normative sample.

Non-response bias is a limitation as well as the use of self-report measures, which may introduce potential bias.

Increased awareness of factors, including coping strategies and personal resources, that influence flourishing may help veterinarians to devise strategies to enhance their wellbeing.