A Study on the Stress among Dental Students

치과 대학생의 스트레스에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to document the stress symptoms (Anxiety and depression) among dental students and the difference of stress level between classes and by gender. All students in dental college, Seoul National University, in the 1995 academic year, were tested with the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory just before the first semestral examination when the stress levels of students are expected to be the highest. 303 students answered the test. The obtained results were as follows : 1. State Anxiety inventory scores of the second-year and first-year students were significantly higher than those of the fourth -year and third-year(p(0.01), and all classes showed mean state anxiety scores more than mild. 2. Trait Anxiety inventory scores of the second-year and first-year students were significantly higher than those of the third-year and forth-year(p(0.01), and all classes showed mean Trait Anxiety scores more than mild. 3. Beck Depression inventory scores of the second -year students were significantly higher than those of the third-year and fourth-year(p(0.01), and twenty two students(7.3%) among the fourth classes showed depression symptoms. 4. In the comparison of the mean scores of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory between male and female students, State Anxiety Inventory scores of the second-year female students were significantly higher than those of the second year male students(p(0.05), and there was no significant difference elsewhere.