Navigating stress and resilience: coping strategies among Black male osteopathic medical students

Abstract

Background: This study explored the distinct stressors, resilience levels, and coping strategies among Black male osteopathic medical students (BMOMS), aiming to fill a critical gap in medical education research. Methods: This cross-sectional survey analyzed 85 of 101 (84.2 % completion rate) participants. Participants completed the Graduate Stress Inventory-Revised (GSI-R), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), along with demographic items. Associations were examined with Pearson/Spearman correlations and three multiple linear regressions. Results: BMOMS reported moderate–high stress (GSI-R 76.6 ± 21.1); all item scores correlated with total stress (ρ=.35–.68). Resilience and adaptive coping were closely aligned (r =.83, 95 % CI .75–.89). In multivariable analysis (R² =.33), stress rose with bisexual orientation (B = 22.9), marriage (B = 31.9), and being partnered (B = 15.5), but fell with healthinsurance coverage (B = –22.7). Income predicted both resilience (R² =.29) and coping (R² =.30): earnings of $25–49 k (B = 5.6; coping B = 2.9) and $50–74 k (B = 9.0; coping B = 3.5) outperformed lower-income peers. Discussion: Among BMOMS, resilience markedly buffers stress; higher income and health-insurance coverage bolster both resilience and coping, whereas relationship commitments and minoritized sexual orientation intensify stress. Intersectional, evidence-based supports, affinity mentoring, confidential mental-health care, financial/insurance navigation, and targeted scholarships, are warranted. Limitations include self-report and volunteer bias, a socia lmedia convenience sample below target (85 vs 98), and a cross-sectional design that bars causal inference. Longitudinal work is needed to confirm effect sizes and chart trajectories through training.