First-Year Doctor of Physical Therapy Students: Predictions of Perceived Psychological Stress and Trait Mindfulness (Poster 29)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 1:45 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Poster Session for Stress, Resilience, and Coping

Abstract

Research demonstrates that first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students experience high levels of stress. Chronic stress negatively affects students’ physical and mental health, and academic performance. Stress can be mitigated trait mindfulness. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between perceived psychological stress and the five facets of trait mindfulness among first-year DPT students. Data were collected using the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Bivariate correlational analysis indicated that acting with awareness, nonjudging of inner experience, and nonreactivity to inner experience were negatively correlated at a statistically significant level with perceived psychological stress. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that nonjudging of inner experience (p=.003) was the strongest predictor of perceived stress.

Authors

• Jessica Rodriguez, Long Island University

• Lori Kupczynski, Texas A&M University - Kingsville

• Michelle McCraney, Walden University