Perceived Social Status and Psychological Well-Being Among Dental Students

Perceived social status (PSS), a subjective measure of social position, has been associated with multiple health outcomes. Elevated levels of stress, depression, and anxiety are all prevalent among dental students, but the role of PSS among this population remains unknown. This study investigates relationships between PSS and mental health among dental students.

In fall 2023, an online survey was distributed to all actively enrolled pre-doctoral dental students at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics (UICOD) (N = 326). Questions included demographic characteristics, perceived stress, perceived anxiety, and PSS relative to peer community (UICOD) and society.

Adjusted response rate was 25% (n = 83). Mean societal PSS (range: 1-10) was 6.4 (SD: 1.3), and mean UICOD PSS (range: 1-10) was 6.0 (SD: 1.7). Both perceived stress (r = -0.32, p = 0.003) and perceived anxiety (r = -0.25, p = 0.020) demonstrated a significant linear relationship with UICOD PSS but not with societal PSS. In adjusted regression models, severe anxiety (b = 1.78, p < 0.011), high stress (b = -1.29, p = 0.044, and moderate stress (b = -0.85, p = 0.028) were significantly associated with lower UICOD PSS.

Dental students perceive their social status as lower relative to peers than to society. Severe anxiety and moderate to severe stress are significantly correlated with PSS relative to dental student peers. These findings underscore the importance of understanding how PSS impacts mental health in highly competitive educational environments.