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Impact of Providing Peer Support on Medical Students’ Empathy, Self-Efficacy, and Mental Health Stigma

Author

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  • Matthew P. Abrams

    (College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA)

  • Joshua Salzman

    (College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA)

  • Andrea Espina Rey

    (Focused Inquiry & Research Experience Module Department, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA)

  • Katherine Daly

    (Department of Clinical Sciences and Student Affairs, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA)

Abstract

Background: Peer-support programs in medical school can buffer feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, social isolation, and burnout, drawing upon the benefits of near-peer-support resources. This study examined the effects of providing support to students in a medical school peer-support program. Methods: Using a pre-post, quasi-experimental study design, the investigators surveyed medical students who were peer supporters in their second through fourth years of medical school with four measures assessing (1) empathy, (2) self-efficacy, (3) mental health stigma, and (4) likelihood to assist peers with mental health problems to examine if serving as a volunteer peer supporter had any effect. Participants included 38 medical students that were actively enrolled peer supporters during the 2020–2021 year at a United States allopathic medical school. Results: Medical students who participated as peer supporters were found to have higher ratings of empathy scores (Z = −1.964, p = 0.050, r = 0.34) and self-efficacy scores (Z = −2.060, p = 0.039, r = 0.35) after participation in the program. No significant changes were noted for mental health stigma or likelihood to assist peers with mental health problems. Discussion: Peer-support programs present a low-cost, sustainable modality to promote wellbeing in medical students. There is a growing body of literature documenting the benefits of peer-support services. This brief, novel study examined the effects of providing peer support on the peer supporters and found higher self-reported ratings of empathy and self-efficacy after participation. These findings underscore peer-support programs as a valuable wellness resource not only for medical students who use the services but for those who provide them as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew P. Abrams & Joshua Salzman & Andrea Espina Rey & Katherine Daly, 2022. "Impact of Providing Peer Support on Medical Students’ Empathy, Self-Efficacy, and Mental Health Stigma," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:9:p:5135-:d:800502
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Flaherty, Joseph & Richman, Judith, 1989. "Gender differences in the perception and utilization of social support: Theoretical perspectives and an empirical test," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 28(12), pages 1221-1228, January.
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