Maladaptive Perfectionism, Impostor Phenomenon, and Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students.

OBJECTIVE: Suicide is a leading cause of death for young adults, and medical students experience elevated rates of suicide and suicidal ideation. The present study uses mediation analysis to explore relationships between suicidal ideation and two dysfunctional mindsets common among medical students: maladaptive perfectionism, high standards accompanied by excessive self-criticism, and impostor phenomenon, pervasive feelings of inadequacy despite evidence of competence and success. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-six medical students at a single institution completed an online survey which assessed maladaptive perfectionism, impostor phenomenon, and suicidal ideation. After calculating measures of association between all study variables, linear regression was conducted to establish the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and suicidal ideation. To evaluate whether impostor phenomenon mediated the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and suicidal ideation as hypothesized, a series of regression models were constructed and the regression coefficients were examined. The statistical significance of the indirect effect, representing the mediated relationship, was tested using bootstrapping. RESULTS: Significant positive associations between maladaptive perfectionism, impostor phenomenon, and suicidal ideation were observed. Impostor phenomenon score was found to mediate the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students who exhibit maladaptive perfectionism are at increased risk for feelings of impostor phenomenon, which translates into increased risk for suicide. These results suggest that an intervention targeted at reducing feelings of impostor phenomenon among maladaptive perfectionists may be effective in reducing their higher risk for suicide. However, interventions promoting individual resilience are not sufficient; systemic change is needed to address medicine's "culture of perfection."

Addressing Culture, Gender, and Power with Asian American Couples: Application of Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy.

Asian Americans juggle the intersections of multiple social identities and societal discourses as they respond to experiences of immigration, marginalization, and patriarchy, integrate collectivist and individualistic family values, and form families and intimate relationships. In this study we examine what we have learned as we apply Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT) with heterosexual couples of Asian heritage. SERT begins with sociocultural attunement and the assumption that relationships should mutually support each partner. Drawing on case examples, we illustrate how we practice sociocultural attunement as couples respond to the relational processes that comprise the Circle of Care (mutual influence, vulnerability, attunement, and shared relational responsibility). We emphasize three key socioemotional themes that intersect with gender: (1) intangible loss; (2) quiet fortitude/not burdening others; and (3) duty to the family.

A biopsychosocial-spiritual wellness check program for internal medicine residents: A brief report.

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic has significantly impacted medical residents. We created and implemented a biannual biopsychosocial-spiritual Wellness Check Program (WCP) to help internal medicine residents self-assess for burnout, enhance resilience, and to promote early identification and referral to mental health services. We report the preliminary findings from our quality improvement pilot effort at Loma Linda University Health (LLUH). METHOD: Residents participated in biannual sessions with licensed therapists employed by Loma Linda University, Office of Physician Vitality (OPV). Visits consisted of an evidence-guided discussion about general wellbeing, relationships, family life, coping strategies, and referrals. Archived, confidential WCP session notes between July 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 were reviewed and a simple tally system was used to record coping strategies, concerns, and referrals made. RESULTS: Partner and family issues were the most prevalent concern, followed by mental health issues, and relationships with colleagues, faculty, or staff. Most residents described several coping strategies: 66.36% listed two to three, and 26.36% listed four or more. Referrals were offered to community or employee assistance program therapists, follow-up with the OPV, psychiatry, couple counseling, given Web based psychoeducational links, or referred to their program director. Nine other residencies requested the WCP providing anecdotal evidence of its feasibility and usefulness. DISCUSSION: As the pandemic surged, these visits normalized reflections about wellbeing, intentional coping strategies, and resilience practices. We continue to gather data to refine and further structure this program and help residents monitor and address their resilience needs and wellness. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).