J Korean Soc Biol Ther Psychiatry.  2019 Jun;25(2):101-108. 10.0000/jksbtp.2019.25.2.101.

Comparison of Stress Responses and Coping Methods according to the Gender of Freshmen in Graduate Medical Students

• Kim HJ
• Chee IS
• Lee SW
• Kim JL

• KMID: 2454241
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jksbtp.2019.25.2.101

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to evaluate the gender differences in stress-coping methods that affect stress responses in graduate medical students.
METHODS
The participants were 209 students of C medical school in Daejeon, Korea. Stress response was measured using the Stress Response Inventory. Coping methods were measured through the Ways of Coping Checklist and Problem-solving Style Scale. Data were analyzed using T-Tests, a correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.
RESULTS
The mean±standard deviation score of the stress response inventory was 23.56±20.20 in males and 32.34±23.44 in females. The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed the following factors related to stress response: helplessness, problem-solving control, approach style in males and helplessness, social readjustment rating scale, problem-solving confidence in females. No relationship between stress-coping style and academic performance was found in both genders.
CONCLUSION
Hopelessness seemed to be the main reason for the stress response in medical students of both genders. We also found differences in coping methods affecting the stress response by genders. Future studies need to identify more such factors that lead to differences in coping methods and help adapt to stress in medical education.

Keyword

Psychological stress; Coping skills; Graduate medical education

MeSH Terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Checklist
Education, Medical
Education, Medical, Graduate
Female
Humans
Korea
Male
Methods*
Schools, Medical
Stress, Psychological
Students, Medical*