Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: There is an increase in the incidence and severity of mental health disorders in university students. Doctor of Physical Therapy students are at increased risk due to physiological, environmental, and generational factors. Design: Mixed-Methods, multi-site, descriptive study Participants: Current DPT students (N= 1228 ) completed a survey and DASS-42; 20 students demonstrating moderate severity on the DASS participated in telephone interviews. Methods: Surveys were emailed to 238 DPT program directors with a request to forward to students. Following the survey, a total of 20 interviews were completed. Results: DPT students were found to have higher DASS scores than their age-matched peers Depression t(1227)=10.76, p<.005, Anxiety t(1227)=7.33, p=.005, Stress t(1227)=2.91, p=.029. First year students were found to have the highest levels of anxiety (p=.001) and stress (p=.019) of the 3 groups of students. Several variables were significantly correlated to with higher than average DASS scores which included medication use, history of trauma, use of support services, 3.0 GPA or lower, family history of mental health disease, and a diagnosis or belief of a diagnosis of mental illness (p≤.005). Major themes themes emerged from the data: 1- When Accessing Resources Becomes a Stressor, 2- Seeking Support From Trusted Confidants (sub-themes: Leaning on Familiarity, Leaning on Genuine & Empathic Faculty), 3-Changes in Expectations & Challenges During Professional Education (sub-themes: Growing Up in Grad School, The Challenge of Balance, When the Stakes are Higher-Fearing the Fall), Theme 4- Striving For Perfection. Conclusion: This is the largest study to date that examined mental health issues in DPT students. Statistically higher DASS scores were found in DPT students when compared to their age-matched peers, with the greatest concern being on the 1st year graduate students. High DASS scores were also correlated to GPA, gender, medication use, support system utilization, family history of mental illness, history of trauma, and diagnosis of psychological disorder. The magnitude of the transition to graduate school may be contributing to high levels of anxiety and distress.
Author: Jennifer Bogardus
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3150308120