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The effects of perceived stress on compassion fatigue and SWB in medical interns from vocational colleges: the mediation of social support, psychological resilience, and coping styles

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Medical interns from vocational colleges play a crucial role as a reserve force for the primary healthcare system. However, they are particularly vulnerable to compassion fatigue (CF), which can significantly reduce their subjective well-being (SWB). Grounded in the Stress Coping Theory, this study explores the impact of perceived stress on CF and SWB among medical interns and examines the mediating roles of social support, psychological resilience, and coping styles. METHODS: A multi-site cross-sectional online survey (Dec 8, 2021-Jan 24, 2022) used census sampling of all eligible medical interns across two vocational colleges (n = 723). Measures included the Compassion Fatigue Short Scale (Adams et al.), the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al.), the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor & Davidson), the Perceived Social Support Scale (Zimet et al.), and the Campbell Index of Well-Being (Campbell et al.). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling. RESULTS: Perceived stress was found to increase CF and reduce SWB directly (β = 0.293, p = 0.001; β = - 0.175, p = 0.001), and it also had indirect effects through psychological resilience, perceived stress, and coping style. Additionally, CF can impact interns' well-being (β = - 0.232, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Perceived stress was associated with higher CF and lower SWB among medical interns, both directly and indirectly through social support, psychological resilience, and positive and negative coping. These findings provide an integrated understanding of how demands and resources relate to interns' emotional outcomes and highlight the importance of strengthening key personal and contextual resources in high-stress clinical environments.

Source: European journal of medical research

DOI: 10.1186/s40001-025-03796-6

Authors: Lijuan Yi, Chan Peng, Houlian Wang, Yi Liu, Xu Tian

Institution: Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190