Complications associated with surveying medical student depression: The importance of anonymity

Ruth E. Levine, Carmen Radecki Breitkopf, Frederick S. Sierles, Gwendie Camp

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    42 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Objective: To evaluate students' attitudes and concerns regarding potential repercussions of completing the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Methods: A survey based on focus group data was developed and distributed. Results: One hundred and ninety-one of 400 surveys (48%) were returned. Of 160 students who remembered completing the BDI, 31 (19%) admitted to concerns about the research, and nearly 10% admitted to recording dishonest answers. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of conducting anonymous assessments of medical students, particularly when assessing sensitive psychological states.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)12-18
    Number of pages7
    JournalAcademic Psychiatry
    Volume27
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Mar 2003

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Education
    • Psychiatry and Mental health

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