Perceived Psychological Stress and Trait Mindfulness Among First-Year Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

Stress is an increasing problem that can have negative consequences for healthcare students and professionals. The demanding expectations of health professionals begin even before they enter the healthcare workforce. Health professional students are susceptible to stress in their didactic and clinical education due to high academic workloads and performance demands. The research problem addressed in this study is the high stress levels of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Previous research demonstrates that first-year DPT students experience high stress levels and may be unable to manage them effectively. Prolonged exposure to high stress levels can negatively affect students’ physical and mental health, and academic performance, thereby leading to burnout. Protection against stress can come from trait mindfulness, one’s inherent tendency to be mindful, which has been previously linked to nonreactivity and flexible responses to stimuli. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between five facets of trait mindfulness and perceived psychological stress among first year DPT students. The study adopted a quantitative methodology and a correlational research design to examine these relationships. Data were collected using two validated self-report survey instruments: the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that Nonjudging of Inner Experience (p=.003) facet of trait mindfulness was the strongest predictor of students’ perceived psychological stress. Physical therapy programs should use the findings from this foundational study to introduce tailored mindfulness interventions and practice into the DPT curriculum. Improving students’ coping strategies for managing stress would better prepare them for their future roles as healthcare professionals. Keywords: Trait Mindfulness, DPT programs, perceived psychological stress DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-30-06 Publication date: October 31 st 2023