The first-year veterinary student and mental health: the role of common stressors.

Full Abstract

The present study evaluated the impact of academic and non-academic stressors on depression levels in a longitudinal investigation of 78 first-year veterinary medical students enrolled at Kansas State University (KSU). Students completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale during their first and second semesters to evaluate the dependent variable, depression. Students provided information about specific stressors and relevant demographic variables that yielded independent variables. One-third of veterinary medical students surveyed in their first and second semesters reported depression levels above the clinical cut-off; 15% of the sample experienced an increase in depression of at least one standard deviation, despite the apparent stability of the proportion of students experiencing significant depressive symptoms. Students whose depression scores increased by one standard deviation or who maintained scores above the clinical cut-off score were identified as struggling. Struggling students reported more first-semester homesickness and academic concerns, along with difficulty fitting in with peers and poorer perceived physical health during the second semester. This study helped to identify those students most prone to develop or maintain concerning depression scores. The discussion section addresses specific suggestions for intervening with struggling students.

Author information

Author/s: Hafen, McArthur (M); Reisbig, Allison M J (AM); White, Mark B (MB); Rush, Bonnie R (BR);

Affiliation: College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506 USA. mhafen(-atsign-)vet.ksu.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of veterinary medical education (J Vet Med Educ), published in Canada. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-; vol 35 (issue 1) : pp 102-9

Dates: Created 2008/03/14; Completed 2008/07/01;

PMID: 18339964, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.