Self-regulation capacity is linked to wellbeing and burnout in physicians and medical students: Implications for nurturing self-help skills

Abstract

Self-regulation capacity relates to important self-help skills allowing individuals to effectively manage their thoughts, feelings, and actions to attain goals while mastering a demanding environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-regulation capacity, psychological wellbeing, and burnout in 37 Canadian medical students and 25 physicians. Regression analyses showed that self-regulation capacity positively predicted psychological wellbeing and negatively predicted burnout for both groups. Concerning the dimensions of purpose in life and environmental mastery, the benefits of self-regulatory capacity were particularly pronounced for physicians. Implications for developing self-regulation competence to maintain optimal mental health are discussed.