Journal of Medicine and Life Science

Institute for Medical Science (제주대학교 의과학연구소)
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A phenomenological study on the emotional changes of medical students according to the phase of medical education

의학교육 시기에 따른 의과대학생들의 정서 변화에 대한 현상학적 연구

  • Lee, Won Kyoung (Department of Theology, Graduate School, Yonsei University) ;
  • Park, Kyung Hye (Department of Medical Education, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine)
  • 이원경 (연세대학교 대학원 신학과) ;
  • 박경혜 (연세대학교 원주의과대학 의학교육학과)
  • Received : 2020.12.01
  • Accepted : 2020.12.08
  • Published : 2020.12.31
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Abstract

The study aimed to understand medical students' experiences of emotional changes, including their method of adapting to experiences, and the effect of the experiences in shaping their identities. We interviewed 12 medical students who were finishing their 1-year clinical internship in 2016. Data on their opinions and reasons for emotional changes during their school life were obtained. The descriptive phenomenological approach was applied to analyze the interviews. Their stress came from disappointment in themselves, competitive environment, observing a change in their personalities, meeting their parents' expectations, and interpersonal relations. The interviewees adjusted to the medical study by exercising self-control in their studies and daily lives, by practicing self-acceptance and observing their state of mind, and by breaking free from the competition-driven environment and obsession with grades. In addition, they cultivated endurance and found external support. Finally, they achieved self-efficacy and were comfortable in their identity as medical students. They still had to address the stress from working relationships and the difficulty in balancing studies and life. The medical students' self-evaluation and compulsive tendencies increased during the medical course due to the burden of studies. They evolved by learning self-control and introspection and seeking ways to adapt. Understanding this growth process of medical students will improve student support in medical schools.

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References

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