Stress symptoms among third-year dental students

The purpose of this study was to document the stress (anxiety and depression) symptoms of third-year dental students using two psychological measures. Eighty-six students in two successive third-year classes were tested with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in October, December, and April. For both state and trait anxiety, changes across test administrations indicated significant increases for the 1985 class. For depression, no significant changes were found across either test administration or between classes. Comparisons were made between the reported stress symptoms of third-year and first-year dental students. A stress management program within the dental school environment was recommended.