Exploring graduate occupational and physical therapy students' approaches to studying, self-efficacy, and positive mental health.

BACKGROUND: Occupational and physical therapy academic programs are rigorous. Increased rates of student anxiety and depression may impact learning. Data on student study skills, self-efficacy, and mental health is limited. This study explored relationships between students' self-efficacy, mental health factors, and approaches to studying. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was designed. Seventy-three students completed the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students-Short Form, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Associations between predictors (education program, general self-efficacy and mental health) and ratings on the study approach scales were analyzed with multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Multiple regression models revealed associations between higher self-efficacy and higher ratings on the deep (ß = 0.49, p <  0.01) and strategic (ß = 0.34, p <  0.05) scales, and lower ratings on the surface scale (ß = - 0.29, p <  0.01). Compared to OT students, PT students had higher surface approach ratings (ß = - 0.36, p <  0.001). Poorer mental health scores were associated with higher surface approach ratings (ß = - 0.41, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: To support productive study strategies among occupational and physical therapy students it may be useful to promote their general self-efficacy and positive mental health.

The experiences of active duty military spouses with advanced degrees in maintaining and advancing their careers.

BACKGROUND: Individuals married to active duty military members experience a significantly higher rate of un/underemployment than their civilian counterparts; those with advanced degrees are most impacted. Occupation is central to individual identity and adaptation; therefore, individual occupational struggles can impact family systems. Evidence shows military spouse career concerns impact service member retention, making spouse employment related to national security; however there is limited research on active duty spouses, particularly those with advanced degrees. OBJECTIVE: This phenomenological study explored the experiences of activity duty military spouses with advanced degrees focusing on maintaining and advancing their careers. METHODS: Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to explore experiences of military spouses with advanced degrees actively seeking to work in their profession. Inductive content analysis was used to derive overarching themes to respond to the research questions. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged: uniqueness of military life impacts; professional adaptation: flexibility, creativity and reinvention of the professional self; enhanced sense of duty/professional integrity; and need for enhanced forms of career support. CONCLUSIONS: Military spouses with advanced degrees value and have a right to occupation, including work. Military life presents unique barriers to this. Results have implications for healthcare providers and policy-makers.