Empathy as a determinant of perceived stress and styles of coping with stress in medical, law and psychology students

Abstract

Empathy is an important part of the work of helping another person, but sometimes this work is exhausing and beyond the resources of the helper-especially when the helper does not choose a problem-solving style of coping with stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between empathy and perceived stress and coping styles in stressful situations among students from selected fields of study.A total of 90 students participated in the survey: this included 30 fifth-year students each from three fields of study - medical, law and psychology. They were mostly aged 23-25 and represented in greater numbers by women (65.6%). The Emotional-Cognitive Empathy Questionnaire (EEP) - by Wilczek-Rużyczka (2017), the PSS-10 test – Perceived Stress Scale in its Polish adaptation by Juczyński and Ogińska-Bulik (2009), the Questionnaire of Coping in Stressful Situations (CISS) in its Polish adaptation by Strelau et al. (2005) and the author's socio-demographic questionnaire were used as research tools.The regression analysis conducted showed that as the level of cognitive empathy increases, the level of stress will significantly decrease. A relationship was found between cognitive empathy and task-focused coping style. The students studied showed significant differences in their levels of empathy and perceived stress depending on their field of study: law students were characterized by lower empathy and higher stress compared to those in the medical and psychology fields.In contrast, no differences were found between students from different fields of study in terms of their choice of stress-focused coping style.Correlation analysis showed a significant opposite relationship between empathy and perceived stress, and differences were found in the level of empathy and the level of stress in students depending on their field of study. The obtained results indicate the necessity of empathy training in groups of students, which, as the obtained results and numerous scientific reports indicate, has a protective character, therein reducing stress and professional burnout levels.