Improving resilience and reducing stress in medical students

Outcomes of Small Group Process Work on Medical Students' Resilience, Grit, and Stress Over Multiple Cohorts

Not applicable Interventional Western University of Health Sciences · NCT06046183

This study is testing a year-long program to see if small group sessions with a psychiatrist can help first and second-year medical students feel less stressed and more resilient.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorWestern University of Health Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lebanon, Oregon)
Trial IDNCT06046183 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on addressing the high levels of stress and burnout experienced by medical students, particularly in their first and second years. It involves a year-long intervention where students participate in small process groups led by a psychiatrist to enhance self-awareness, mindfulness, and resilience. Participants will be surveyed at the beginning and end of the academic year using validated scales to measure perceived stress, resilience, and grit. The study employs a quasi-experimental design with both intervention and control groups to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are first and second-year medical students enrolled at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-NW.

Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled in the specified medical program or those who do not meet the age and attendance criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and resilience of medical students, potentially reducing burnout.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in improving mental health outcomes in medical students through similar interventions, indicating that this approach is supported by existing research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. The participant must be an enrolled student at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-NW
2. Participant must be in their first or second year of medical school
3. Participant must be at least 18 years of age
4. Participant must self-select into either the intervention group or control group
5. Participant must sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Data will be excluded if a student goes on a LOA during the course of the year
2. Data will be excluded if a student does not attend a minimum of 12 out of 25 small group sessions
3. Student does not give informed consent
4. Student withdraws consent at any time

Where this trial is running

Lebanon, Oregon

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stress, Psychologicalmedical studentsresiliencegritstress
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.