Program
Physician Assistant M.S.
Year Approved
2021
First Advisor
Naser, Lisa
Abstract
Physician assistant programs are rigorous, fast-paced, and time intensive, putting significant stress on PA students themselves and their romantic relationships. Research has been done on the effects of medical school on student mental health and romantic relationships, but there is a lack of research on PA students who undergo a similar didactic education. Determining the relationship between PA school stressors and relationship satisfaction may aid in the development of coping mechanisms for couples, reduce student and partner stress, and improve student well-being. The study revealed students who were married, male, between the ages of 30-39,cohabiting, or in long term relationships experienced the most impact of PA school on their relationship satisfaction. The main stressors of PA school were identified as relating to the academic demands of PA school. Several coping mechanisms were identified as being useful in benefiting their romantic relationships such as communication, working as a team to accomplish household tasks, and quality time. Encouraging PA students to use these mechanisms may help them balance PA school and their romantic relationships as effectively as possible.
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Physician Assistant
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Kerkhof, H. M., & Kornowski, R. (2021). PA School and Relationship Satisfaction [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/349