The challenge of change: Resilience traits in Women’s Dermatological Society Forum participants by generation

Abstract

Background Physician burnout is a common problem that can have negative ramifications for both physicians and patients. Lack of effective coping mechanisms decreases resilience, which can lead to burnout, and women may be particularly vulnerable. Objective We aimed to evaluate resilience by generation among professionals in dermatology. We hope to gain a better understanding of the plasticity of resilience traits to identify modifiable resilience components. Methods Attendees of the 2020 Women’s Dermatological Society Forum were asked to complete an 80-item questionnaire evaluating eight characteristics of resilience. Each participant received scores electronically, and attendees were invited to anonymously submit scores, job category (physician or industry), and birth year and/or generation category. Participants who provided scores and were part of the millennial generation (born 1980–1994; ages 26–40 years at the time of survey completion), Generation X (born 1965–1979; ages 41–55 years), or baby boomer generation (born 1944–1964; ages 56–76 years) were included. Results Of the 67 participants meeting the inclusion criteria, 96.7% were women and 3.3% were men, 69.4% were physicians and 30.6% were industry representatives. Millennials accounted for 43.3%, Generation X for 35.8%, and baby boomers for 20.9% of the study participants. There was a significant difference among the three generations for mean scores on rumination ( p = .0071) and flexibility ( p = .0005), with scores becoming more ideal for older generations. There was no significant difference among generations for other resilience or burnout indicators, including emotional inhibition, toxic achieving, avoidance coping, perfect control, detached coping, and sensitivity. Conclusion Resilience traits such as rumination and flexibility differed by generation, with the most favorable scores occurring in the oldest cohort, suggesting that some resilience traits may be malleable and improve with age or be inherently affected by environment during development. Health care professionals may benefit from engaging in activities that enhance malleable resilience traits and improve the ability to manage work-related stressors.

Gen Z during the COVID-19 crisis: a comparative analysis of the differences between Gen Z and Gen X in resilience, values and attitudes

“…We found that Generation Z participants demonstrated lower resilience in comparison with Generation X participants. This finding is consistent with past findings indicating that young people are less resilient than older people (Cohen et al, 2016 ; Ludwig et al, 2020 ; Gooding et al, 2012 ). However, a review of the literature indicates that resilience is domain dependent.…”

“…Studies of Gen Z have shown that, compared with previous generations, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Gen Zs exhibited higher rates of depression and anxiety, and a need for emotional support (Schroth, 2019 ). Past studies show that younger generations are less resilient than older generations (Ludwig et al, 2020 ; Gooding et al, 2012 (. However, it is not known why older people are shown to be more resilient in times of crisis.…”

Generational effect on nurses’ work values, engagement, and satisfaction in an acute hospital

“…There are prevalent beliefs about the existence of generation differences in work engagement in the workplace. Although research has shown that differences between work engagement and meaningful work amongst generational cohorts exist, results are still inconclusive as much research conducted was focused on the retiring cohort of Baby Boomers and Generation X [ 10 ]. Hence, further evidence is required to identify generational differences in work values, engagement, and satisfaction among the present nursing workforce.…”

Generational Effect on Nurses’ Work Values, Engagement, and Satisfaction in an Acute Hospital

“…The present nursing workforce comprises four generational cohorts that possesses unique values and traits. The nursing professional at a generational crossroad is experiencing an increasing share of nursing workforce predominated by Generation Y/Millennials born between the years 1994 and 1980, and Generation Z born between years 1995 to 2015 [8,9]. Existing generations of the nurses include Baby Boomers born between the years 1944 to 1964, and Generation X, born between 1965 to 1979.…”