CORE SELF-EVALUATION, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, COPING STRATEGIES, PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Medical students often face significant academic pressures and emotional challenges, which can make them vulnerable to psychological distress. This study examines the relationships between core self-evaluation  (CSE),  psychological  distress,  coping  strategies,  and  perceived  social  support  within  this demographic. Core self-evaluation, which indicates an individual's self-worth and abilities, is expected to influence how students perceive and handle stress. A cross-sectional survey was administered to medical students using validated measures to assess CSE, psychological distress (including depression, anxiety, and stress), coping strategies (problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidance), and perceived social support. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of students experienced distress at higher frequencies than the general population, with junior students employed more problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidance coping strategies than final-year students. Socioeconomic status (SES) significantly correlates with distress, as lower SES students experience higher distress levels. Higher distress levels were associated with lower core self-evaluations (CSE) and perceived social support (PSS), as well as more use of avoidance coping strategies. Additionally, perceived support from family, friends, and significant others moderates the relationship between CSE and distress. The interaction between core self-evaluations (CSE) and perceived social support (PSS) significantly predicted psychological distress, with higher PSS enhancing the protective effects of CSE on distress, supporting the buffering hypothesis. These results highlight the prevalence of psychological distress and coping strategies used by medical students. Further underscores the importance of fostering positive core self-evaluations and strengthening social support systems to reduce psychological distress.  Enhancing PSS through interventions that strengthen social support networks, while simultaneously fostering CSE by building self-efficacy and emotional stability, could be a promising approach to mitigating psychological distress in medical students. Future research should explore the long-term effects and specific coping intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of medical students.

Keywords: Core Self-Evaluation, Psychological Distress, Coping Strategies, Perceived Social Support, Medical Students, Mental Health, Stress Management, Resilience