Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Smaran Marupudi
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Faculty
Discipline Track
Community/Public Health
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Medical students often face high levels of psychological stress due to intense academic workloads and numerous extracurricular activities, thereby leading to a reduction in overall well-being. In response, medical schools are adopting wellness-focused educational changes, though few have been rigorously evaluated. This pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effects of a single-session speaker event on medical student stress and happiness.
Methods: This study used an anonymous, pre-post design with independent samples to assess changes in perceived stress and happiness before and after a single-session wellness speaker event. First- and second-year medical students completed validated pre- and post-surveys, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). The 60-minute event, which was organized by the student investigators, took place in January 2025. As survey responses were anonymous and unlinked, Welch’s independent t-tests were used to compare group means. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d. Post-event perception items were summarized descriptively, and open-ended responses were reviewed for recurring themes.
Results: A total of 76 pre-surveys and 55 post-surveys were collected from MS1 and MS2 students, demonstrating successful implementation and student engagement. Quantitative outcomes showed minimal short-term changes across PSS and SHS scores (all p > 0.1; Cohen’s d range –0.24 to +0.17), indicating minimal effect. Despite limited quantitative change, 84% of students reported the event was helpful, 57% felt more confident managing stress, and the mean satisfaction score was 7.4/10. Open-ended feedback highlighted the speaker’s relatability. Views were mixed on curricular integration, with 51% in favor of including similar wellness events as part of medical school programming.
Conclusion: This pilot study supports the feasibility and acceptability of brief, speaker-based wellness interventions in medical education. While short-term measurable impact was minimal, likely due to the short course of the study, student feedback suggests perceived value. Future efforts should explore longitudinal formats with linked pre-post measurement to better assess outcomes and inform curriculum development.
Presentation Type
Poster
Recommended Citation
Marupudi, Smaran; Hensley, Jared; Gullapalli, Sriya; Sta. Maria, David; and Anand, Nikhilesh, "Prescribing Happiness: Evaluation of a Pilot Wellness Speaker Event for Medical Students" (2025). Research Colloquium. 97.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/colloquium/2025/posters/97
Included in
Prescribing Happiness: Evaluation of a Pilot Wellness Speaker Event for Medical Students
Background: Medical students often face high levels of psychological stress due to intense academic workloads and numerous extracurricular activities, thereby leading to a reduction in overall well-being. In response, medical schools are adopting wellness-focused educational changes, though few have been rigorously evaluated. This pilot study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term effects of a single-session speaker event on medical student stress and happiness.
Methods: This study used an anonymous, pre-post design with independent samples to assess changes in perceived stress and happiness before and after a single-session wellness speaker event. First- and second-year medical students completed validated pre- and post-surveys, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). The 60-minute event, which was organized by the student investigators, took place in January 2025. As survey responses were anonymous and unlinked, Welch’s independent t-tests were used to compare group means. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d. Post-event perception items were summarized descriptively, and open-ended responses were reviewed for recurring themes.
Results: A total of 76 pre-surveys and 55 post-surveys were collected from MS1 and MS2 students, demonstrating successful implementation and student engagement. Quantitative outcomes showed minimal short-term changes across PSS and SHS scores (all p > 0.1; Cohen’s d range –0.24 to +0.17), indicating minimal effect. Despite limited quantitative change, 84% of students reported the event was helpful, 57% felt more confident managing stress, and the mean satisfaction score was 7.4/10. Open-ended feedback highlighted the speaker’s relatability. Views were mixed on curricular integration, with 51% in favor of including similar wellness events as part of medical school programming.
Conclusion: This pilot study supports the feasibility and acceptability of brief, speaker-based wellness interventions in medical education. While short-term measurable impact was minimal, likely due to the short course of the study, student feedback suggests perceived value. Future efforts should explore longitudinal formats with linked pre-post measurement to better assess outcomes and inform curriculum development.
