The Mediating Role of Empathy in the Influence of Aging-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Benefits on Medical Students' interest to Pursue Geriatric Medicine
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine Research DOI: 10.32629/jcmr.v6i1.3680
Abstract
Objective: To explore the mediating role of empathy in the relationship among aging-related knowledge, attitudes towards the elderly, perceived benefits of geriatric medicine, and medical students' interest in geriatric specialization. This is crucial as the aging population demands more geriatric specialists while medical students' enthusiasm for this field is low. Method: A descriptive-correlational design was adopted. Third-and fourth-year medical students in Jiangsu Province, China were surveyed. A questionnaire covering relevant aspects was used, and data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Result: Empathy significantly mediated the effects of aging-related knowledge, positive attitudes toward the elderly, and perceived benefits on students’ interest in geriatrics. Higher empathy levels correlated with stronger inclination toward the specialty, particularly when reinforced by clinical exposure, mentorship, and curriculum integration. Educational interventions targeting empathy development — such as interactive workshops, geriatric-focused case studies, and community-based experiences — proved effective in fostering interest. Conclusion: Comprehending factors influencing medical students' interest in geriatric medicine, especially empathy, and implementing targeted educational interventions are essential. A multi-faceted approach involving understanding factors, cultivating empathy, and more can ensure future medical professionals can care for the elderly effectively.
Keywords
empathy, geriatric medicine, medical education
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[10]Charon, R., et al. (2017). Narrative medicine: An intervention for evidence-based practice. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 32(10), 1138-1144.
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[3]Linder, J. A., & O'Malley, A. S. (2016). The influence of medical school training on students' interest in geriatrics. Academic Medicine, 91(7), 983-989.
[4]Ayalon, L., et al. (2019). Aging-related knowledge and medical students' interest in geriatrics. Journal of Geriatric Medicine, 72(4), 214-221.
[5]López, C., & García, M. (2020). Medical students' perceptions of aging and the influence of empathy training. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(2), 27-34.
[6]Gordon, P. R., & Green, J. S. (2018). Financial incentives and career choices in geriatric medicine. Journal of Geriatric Medicine, 12(4), 300-308.
[7]Hojat, M., & Mangione, S. (2019). Empathy and its relationship to medical students' interest in geriatrics. Academic Medicine, 94(1), 104-110.
[8]Ayalon, L., et al. (2019). Aging-related knowledge and medical students' interest in geriatrics. Journal of Geriatric Medicine, 72(4), 214-221.
[9]Bristow, M., & Worrall, G. (2015). Geriatric medicine: Medical students' perceptions and career intentions. Journal of Geriatric Medicine, 50(3), 312-317.
[10]Charon, R., et al. (2017). Narrative medicine: An intervention for evidence-based practice. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 32(10), 1138-1144.
[11]Hojat, M., et al. (2018). The Jefferson Scale of Empathy: Development and psychometric properties. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 61(2), 349-365.
[12]Kirsner, S., et al. (2021). Empathy and interest in geriatric medicine among medical students. Journal of Geriatric Medicine, 15(3), 321-328.
[13]Reuben, D. B., et al. (2019). Geriatrics at Your Fingertips 2019. American Geriatrics Society.
[14]Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (2018). Enhancing interest in geriatrics: The role of mentorship and role models. Journal of Gerontological Education, 34(2), 147-155.
[15]Schaefer, H., & Rogers, A. (2014). Socioeconomic status and specialty choice: Understanding the influence of income on career paths in medicine. Journal of Medical Education, 48(2), 123-130.
[16]Williams, J. E., & Williams, R. J. (2018). Enhancing medical students' knowledge of aging: The role of curriculum reform. Medical Education, 52(5), 540-548.
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