Abstract
Previous research has shown a positive relation between character strengths, well-being and health. The aim of this analysis was to identify relations between the application of signature character strengths (ASCS) at work, and well-being and health, among medical students (Study 1) and resident physicians (Study 2). We expected positive direct links between the constructs and indirect effects through emotional exhaustion. To test these hypotheses, 387 medical students in their first year and 136 resident physicians completed five scales measuring well-being, mental/physical health, character strengths, the application of their five individual signature strengths, and emotional exhaustion as an indicator of burnout. Partial correlations were examined, and mediation analyses performed. ASCS at work was positively linked with well-being and mental health but not with physical health. All links were mediated by emotional exhaustion in Study 1 and (except for mental health) also in Study 2. Future studies would therefore do well to investigate the promotion of ASCS at work of people operating in medical education and its potential in fostering well-being and preventing burnout from the outset.
Highlights
Positive psychology is a science that deals with three domains: (1) positive subjective experiences, (2) positive traits, and (3) positive institutions (Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, 2000)
We identified significant indirect effects of emotional exhaustion on the links between ASCS and well-being and ASCS and physical health
Results showed that resident physicians had significantly higher means of ASCS and mental health compared with medical students
Summary
Positive psychology is a science that deals with three domains: (1) positive subjective experiences, (2) positive traits, and (3) positive institutions (Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Positive traits are individual characteristics such as virtues and talents. Positive institutions, such as universities or hospitals, can support personal growth and positive experiences (Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi, 2000; Ruch, 2008). Concerning the first domain, there are many alarming studies reporting burnout (Dyrbye et al, 2008; Dyrbye et al, 2014), (dis-)satisfaction (Shanafelt et al, 2009; Lebensohn et al, 2013), reduced quality of life (West et al, 2011; Beckman et al, 2012), fatigue (West et al, 2009), and other health restrictions of medical students and practitioners.
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