title: Stress management in dental students: a systematic review.
abstract: This study compared the effectiveness of stress management programs in dental education by systematic review of the literature. The number of studies concerning stress management programs for dental students is limited compared with studies discussing sources of stress. Several types of programs for stress management have been reported, and differ in their duration, content, and outcomes. Two main strategies have been used to help stressed students, ie, decreasing the number of stressors and increasing the ability to cope with stress. The first strategy includes several components, such as reducing fear of failure and workload pressure due to examinations and requirements. The second strategy includes coping techniques, such as deep breathing exercises. Although positive effects have been reported for most of the programs, these have mainly been evaluated using subjective self-report measures. There is a need for more research to identify the most effective stress management program.
authors.affiliation: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Abdullah M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Alzahem
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Henk T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Van der Molen
authors.affiliation: Dental Services, Central Region, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Arwa H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Alaujan
authors.affiliation: Clinical Psychology, Princess Nora University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Benjamin J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: De Boer
keywords: dentistry; education; management; stress; students