Identification of promotion and prevention associated surgeon behaviors in the operating room to facilitate resident self-regulated learning

Abstract

BackgroundThe regulatory focus theory (RFT) posits that people can pursue goals with a promotion or prevention focus. Greater alignment of RFT motivational styles between faculty and residents may enhance resident operative autonomy. This study establishes a set of faculty behaviors residents can identify to infer faculty motivational styles. Methods10 behaviors associated with promotion and prevention motivational styles were identified. General surgery residents rated faculty on how strongly they exhibit these behaviors. Faculty conducted a self-assessment of how strongly they exhibit these behaviors. ResultsThere is a positive correlation between resident and faculty ratings for the promotion-associated behaviors of “works quickly,” “high energy,” and “mostly provides broad oversight,” and for the prevention-associated behaviors of “works slowly and deliberately,” “quiet and calm,” and “preference for vigilant strategies.” ConclusionResidents can observe faculty operative behaviors to infer faculty motivational styles. Residents may use this knowledge to adjust to faculty motivational styles and enhance operative interactions.