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Increased stress during gross anatomy course negatively affects students’ performance
Author(s) -
Ramos Amanda,
Bringe Kariline
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.532.6
Subject(s) - stressor , stress (linguistics) , gross anatomy , psychology , medical education , curriculum , comprehension , coping (psychology) , medicine , clinical psychology , anatomy , pedagogy , computer science , linguistics , philosophy , programming language
A modular design of gross anatomy curriculum encompasses learning a large amount of content in a short time frame. Studies have identified academic responsibilities as a stressor which may negatively impact students’ comprehension of material. At Mayo Medical School, the academic demands of the 7 week anatomy course provide an environment that may predispose students to increased stress. Our research explores the relationship between perceived stress and academic performance. A validated survey instrument identified a baseline stress level prior to the course and was used to reassess at timed intervals during the course. Stress levels were compared to course performance using quiz and laboratory practical grades as performance indicators. Preliminary results demonstrated a 46% increase in perceived stress levels (10.8 to 15.8) by day 21 with an increasing correlation between perceived stress and decreased academic performance. From day 7 to day 21, the correlation between perceived stress and quiz scores increased from R 2 =0.0002 to 0.29. The correlation between stress and laboratory practical grades increased from R 2 =0.09 to 0.29. Understanding the impact of stress on academic performance may aid in helping students with high perceived stress develop coping strategies which may increase performance as well as retention of anatomical knowledge. Grant Funding Source : Department of Anatomy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine