Behavioral Consequences of Job-Related Stress among Resident Physicians: The Mediating Role of Psychological Strain

Abstract

This study examined the correlations among stressors, psychological strain, and behavioral reactions in a national sample of 1785 resident physicians, 27 to 33 years old. Consistent with previous studies of resident physicians, analysis showed that those experiencing high job-related stressors experienced high psychological strain in both their personal and professional lives. Stressors were also correlated with behavioral reactions. Hierarchical regression suggested that psychological strain mediated the relations between two of the stressors and behavioral reactions to some extent. This was consistent with recent research suggesting that psychological reactions may mediate the relations between stressors and outcomes. Further research on both medical residency and the stressing process was suggested.

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