[Who is interested in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy? A multicenter analysis of interest and training-related characteristics among medical students in Germany].

Abstract

Background: Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy is an independent medical specialty in Germany, based on a biopsychosocial understanding of disease and characterized by strong core psychotherapeutic competencies. Despite its clinical relevance, little is known about which medical students are interested in this field. Against the background of an aging workforce in the specialty, this study examined associations between educational and psychological characteristics and interest in specialist training in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy.

Methods: In a multicenter cross-sectional study, 3,833 prospective and enrolled medical students from five medical faculties in Baden-Württemberg were surveyed. Data collected included specialty preferences, sociodemographic and educational variables, as well as standardized instruments assessing study-related stress (MBI-SS), self-efficacy, conscientiousness (BFI-K), and vocational interests (RIASEC). Analyses were conducted using bivariate tests and logistic regression models to identify relevant associated factors.

Results: Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy was selected as a preferred specialty by 6.7% of respondents, ranking 12th out of 16 specialties. Bivariate analyses indicated associations between several variables and interest in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. In multivariate analyses, students interested in this specialty were, on average, older (OR=1.11), showed stronger social (OR=1.20) and artistic-linguistic interests (OR=1.22), and lower practical-technical (OR=0.85) and investigative interests (OR=0.92). In addition, they reported lower levels of conscientiousness (OR=0.95), and students in their final clinical year reported such interest less frequently than preclinical students (OR=0.50). Among prospective students, few associations were observed.

Conclusion: The findings allow for a differentiated description of a previously underexplored subgroup of medical students. The identified characteristics point to a specific profile of vocational interests and selected educational features that is consistent with central professional demands of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. The results underscore the importance of targeted measures to strengthen the visibility and attractiveness of the specialty within medical education and provide implications for curriculum development and recruitment of future professionals in the field.