Abstract
The authors surveyed 442 residents from a stratified random sample of 59 U.S. psychiatric training programs to determine the relationships between residents’ demographic characteristics and their perceptions of program supportiveness, self-confidence, competence, and training program satisfaction; one-third of residents surveyed responded. Results indicate that single, minority, female, older, and PGY II and III residents express more dissatisfaction with their training, report lower levels of self-confidence and competence, receive fewer program supports, and may experience more difficulties in professional identity development than other residents. Findings suggest the need to view residents’ program complaints as a partial function of their stage of professional development, demographic characteristics, and availability of similar role models.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Merklin L. Jr., Little R.B: Beginning psychiatry training syndrome. Am J Psychiat 1967; 124:193–197.
Waring E.M: A preventive approach to emotional illness in psychiatric residents. Psychiat Quart 1977; 49:303–315.
Garrard J, Berg JK: Psychosocial support of residents in psychiatric programs: A national survey. J Psychiat Educ 1983; 7:251–261.
Kardener SH, Fuller M, Mensh IN, Forgy EW: The trainees’ viewpoint of psychiatric residency. Am J Psychiat 1970; 126:1132–1138.
Taintor Z, Morphy M, Pearson M: Stress and growth factors in psychiatric residency training. Psychiat Quart 1981; 53(3): 162–169.
Fleckles C.S: The making of a psychiatrist: The resident’s view of the process of his professional development. Am J Psychiat 1972; 128:1111–1115.
Skodol A.E, Maxmen JS: Role satisfaction among psychiatric residents, Comp Psychiat 1981; 22(2): 174–178.
Sledge WH: Resource identification: A use of psychiatric residents’ evaluation of faculty. J Med Educ 1978; 53:149–151.
Jones BE, Lightfoot OB, Palmer D, Wilkerson RG, Williams DH: Problems of black psychiatric residents in white training institutes. Am J Psychiat 1970; 127:798–803.
Benedek EP, Barton G, Bieniek C: Problems for women in psychiatric residency. Am J Psychiat 1977:134:1244–1248.
Rinke CM: The professional identities of women physicians. JAMA 1981; 245:2419–2421.
Berg JK, Garrard J: Psychosocial support in residency training programs. J Med Educ 1980; 53:908–914.
Welner A, Marten S, Wochnich E, Davis MA, Fishman R, Clayton PJ: Psychiatric disorders among professional women. Arch Gen Psychiat 1979; 36:169–173.
Garfinkel PE, Waring EM: Personality, interests, and emotional disturbance in psychiatric residents. Am J Psychiat 1981; 138:51–55.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
Portions of this paper were presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, Dallas, TX, May 19–24, 1985.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wymes, M.R., Jensen, P.S., Shaw, R.E. et al. Resident Competence, Morale, and Psychiatric Training: I. The “High Risk” Resident. Acad Psychiatry 12, 239–253 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399987
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399987