Building a foundation in self‐awareness: Genetic counseling students’ experiences with self‐care, reflection, and mindfulness
Laura Bulmer, Christy Stanley, L. Loffredo, Rachel Mills, Lauren E Doyle
Journal of Genetic Counseling December 2, 2021 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1539 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 154 |
| Population | Genetic counseling graduate students |
| Measures | Self-Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key points | Genetic counseling graduate students scored significantly lower than other health professionals on the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale and the SRIS Insight subscale, suggesting lower mindfulness and possibly limited insight into their thoughts and feelings. After beginning graduate training, students were more likely to reduce active self-awareness practices such as physical activity and mental health counseling. Second-year students who reported mindfulness practice scored significantly higher on the SRIS Insight subscale, and students described improved self-awareness that enhanced clinical counseling relationships, though implementation of practices was perceived as inconsistent. |
Abstract
Stress and anxiety are significant concerns for practicing genetic counselors as well as genetic counseling students and can have downstream effects on patient care. Prior research suggests graduate‐level training in self‐awareness practices such as self‐care, reflection, and mindfulness could have lasting effects for genetic counselors, their patients, and the profession as a whole. This mixed‐methods study assessed self‐awareness among 154 genetic counseling graduate students using the Self‐Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS), the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and self‐described experiences with self‐awareness practice. Genetic counseling students had significantly lower mean scores on the MAAS and the Insight subscale of the SRIS compared with other health professionals, indicating that genetic counseling students have lower levels of mindfulness and may lack insight into their thoughts and feelings. After starting genetic counseling graduate programs, students were more likely to reduce participation in active self‐awareness practices such as physical activity and mental health counseling. Most students reported having structured practice in self‐care (n = 97, 63%), reflection (n = 125, 81.2%), and mindfulness (n = 77, 50%) as a part of their training programs. Second‐year genetic counseling students reporting mindfulness practices had significantly higher scores on the Insight subscale of the SRIS than those who did not, indicating that students engaged in mindfulness practice are better able to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behavior. The majority of students reported benefitting from structured practice in self‐care (n = 63, 64.9%), reflection (n = 101, 80%), and mindfulness (n = 54, 70.1%). Open‐ended responses regarding students’ perceived benefits and limitations of structured practice were analyzed for recurrent themes. Students reported improved self‐awareness which enhanced their counseling relationships during clinical rotations. However, they also perceived that implementation of self‐awareness practices may have been inconsistent. Findings from this study have implications for integrating self‐awareness practices into genetic counseling graduate curriculum.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Teaching self-care to caregivers: Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the mental health of therapists in training. Training and Education in Professional Psychology May 1, 2007
- Mindfulness Among Genetic Counselors Is Associated with Increased Empathy and Work Engagement and Decreased Burnout and Compassion Fatigue. Journal of Genetic Counseling September 2018