The Role of Interpersonal Toxicity on Healthcare Students' Well-Being

Authors

Talia Sierra, Talia Sierra, DMSc, PA-C, is a tenured associate professor at Idaho State University, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, in Caldwell, Idaho.
Timothy C. McCall, Talia Sierra, DMSc, PA-C, is a tenured associate professor at Idaho State University, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, in Caldwell, Idaho.
Heidi Brown, Talia Sierra, DMSc, PA-C, is a tenured associate professor at Idaho State University, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, in Caldwell, Idaho.
Noël E. Smith, Talia Sierra, DMSc, PA-C, is a tenured associate professor at Idaho State University, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, in Caldwell, Idaho.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

7-18-2022

Journal

The journal of physician assistant education : the official journal of the Physician Assistant Education Association

DOI

10.1097/JPA.0000000000000440

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Nearly half of all medical students suffer from burnout, which not only has detrimental effects on the students themselves but can transfer into the clinical realm. Yet, studies exploring burnout and interpersonal toxicity in physician assistant (PA) students are rare. This study examined the role that interpersonal toxicity and abuse play in PA student burnout. METHODS: Nearly 2500 PA students in the United States responded to a survey about well-being, stress, and experiences with interpersonal toxicity in PA school as part of a larger cross-sectional study on PA student experiences in their didactic and clinical years. The present research focuses on overall measures among all PA students, as well as differences between didactic and clinical students, including the extent to which experiences of interpersonal toxicity predict symptoms associated with burnout. RESULTS: Overall, PA students reported high levels of satisfaction and happiness in school and life, but enthusiasm for school decreased for clinical students. More than two-thirds of students reported moderate to high levels of life stress, and more than 9 in 10 reported moderate to high levels of school stress. Symptoms of burnout were reported by many students, with clinical students reporting interpersonal toxicity exposure more often than didactic students. Experiencing interpersonal toxicity or abuse predicted symptoms of burnout. DISCUSSION: While PA students report high levels of life and school satisfaction, given the high levels of stress also reported, burnout metrics and well-being programs are needed. PA programs should work to create a supportive and engaging educational environment to ensure students' long-term career success.

APA Citation

Sierra, Talia; McCall, Timothy C.; Brown, Heidi; and Smith, Noël E., "The Role of Interpersonal Toxicity on Healthcare Students' Well-Being" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 1289.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/1289

Department

Clinical Research and Leadership