"I got into the industry to make a difference to the welfare and rights of animals and that is what I am going to do. No matter the toll it takes on me.": A Mixed Methods Exploration of Moral Distress, Wellbeing and Attrition Among Veterinary Students in Australia
Date
2023
Authors
Flynn, Kate
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Abstract
Moral distress (MD) is the experience of psychological disequilibrium that can result when individuals cannot enact their preferred moral behaviour when faced with an ethical dilemma. MD is an emerging area of interest among veterinarians as they face the unique ethical challenge of balancing the welfare of the animals they treat against the demands of their owners. Limited research shows MD to be associated with poorer wellbeing, perfectionism, and indicators of industry attrition; however, it has not been widely investigated among veterinary students. Therefore, this cross-sectional mixed methods study aimed to explore MD and its associations with wellbeing and attrition in this population. A sample of 158 veterinary students from across Australia, aged 18 to 53, participated. Students reported low MD (M = 69.3) and 39% of students identified companion animal placements as the most morally distressing. Completing more weeks of student placement and greater veterinary employment experience predicted higher MD. MD was associated with lower wellbeing but not attrition. Participants reported average levels of wellbeing; however, 25% were categorised as experiencing psychological distress. In qualitative findings, 36% of students indicated a desire to remain in the industry to make positive change, with ethical dilemmas commonly acting as a 'Motivator to improve the industry'. Further research is recommended to investigate whether underlying trait optimism or emotional intelligence explains this desire. With additional longitudinal research to corroborate these results, the findings of this study may inform future education and workplace policies on supporting veterinary students to manage the challenges associated with MD. Keywords: veterinary student; moral distress; wellbeing; attrition; mixed methods
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School of Psychology
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Thesis (B.PsychSc(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2023
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