title: Exploring the benefits of an optional theatre module on medical student well-being.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Medical students struggle with varied stressors and developing adequate coping mechanisms is essential.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study examined medical student perceptions of the well-being impact of a theatre-based course.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen 1st-year medical students at the University of Alberta participated in 3 focus groups following the conclusion of a theatre-based module that was piloted in the first quarter of 2010. A semistructured protocol was used to guide the focus groups, which were audiotaped and transcribed. Along with general feedback, impact on personal development and student well-being were discussed. Thematic aspects of these discussions were qualitatively analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the focus groups, medical students identified three aspects of the theatre-based module that contributed to their sense of overall well-being. These included (a) fun/relaxation, (b) enhanced relationships with each other, and (c) personal growth/resilience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that participating in an optional theatre module can enhance medical student well-being. Our analysis suggests the need to consider novel, humanities-based curriculum offerings in relation to personal development and well- being.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. anagji@ualberta.ca
authors.forename: Alim
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nagji
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brett-MacLean
authors.forename: Lorraine
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Breault
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D004324:Drama; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult