Life Satisfaction and Resilience in Medical School
Author Information
Author(s): Kjeldstadli Kari, Tyssen Reidar, Finset Arnstein, Hem Erlend, Gude Tore, Gronvold Nina T, Ekeberg Oivind, Vaglum Per
Primary Institution: Department of Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine the relationship between life satisfaction among medical students and factors such as personality, stress, and coping strategies.
Conclusion
Medical schools should encourage students to balance their academic and personal lives and promote healthy coping strategies.
Supporting Evidence
- Life satisfaction decreased during medical school.
- Medical students were as satisfied as other students in their first year but less satisfied by graduation.
- Students with stable high life satisfaction coped better with stress.
Takeaway
Medical students often feel less happy as they progress through school, but those who manage their stress well and maintain social lives tend to be happier.
Methodology
A longitudinal, nationwide questionnaire study assessing life satisfaction at three points during medical school.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported measures and the dropout of less satisfied students.
Limitations
The study relied on a single-item measure for life satisfaction, which may reduce reliability.
Participant Demographics
Initial cohort of 421 students, 54% women, mean age 22.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
[.68–.85]
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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