Before the white coat: exploring the impact of prior life experiences on grit, resilience, and depression in medical students

Abstract

Background:

Medical students often face high levels of stress, emotional strain, and burnout, which can compromise both their well-being and academic performance. Although traits such as grit and resilience may help mitigate these challenges, there is limited research on how pre-medical school life experiences influence these protective factors. This study examines the relationship between medical students’ prior life experiences, including adversity, trauma, or socioeconomic challenges, and their levels of grit, emotional resilience, and depression.

 Methods:

In this observational study, medical students from all years across two geographically distinct regions were surveyed between March and August 2025. Measures included grit, resilience, depression, and detailed indicators of prior life experiences. To examine associations between types of life experiences and emotional outcomes, we used a qualitative analytical approach.

Results:

There were 216 responses to our surveys, yielding a 19% response rate. Our results provide strong evidence that prior adversity and non-academic experiences can buffer against current academic stressors. This helps to bolster a student’s resilience and ability to persevere through the significant rigors of medical education.

Conclusions:

Prior life experiences, particularly early adversity and non-academic work, contribute to the development of grit and resilience among medical students, underscoring the need for medical schools to recognize diverse pathways and to support students’ well-being alongside academic success.