Measuring the rate of psychological growth and examining its antecedents: A growth curve modeling approach

INTRODUCTION

Humanistic psychologists have conceptualized a tendency among humans to experience continual open-ended psychological growth. This study aims to measure the rate at which one grows psychologically using a novel growth curve modeling approach that addresses previous limitations. We also examine the effects of nine potential contributors to growth identified from the literature.

METHOD

Throughout the freshman year, 556 college students responded six times. Increments of growth were added up to create cumulative growth, which was then fit to a growth curve model to produce an estimate of the growth rate. The growth rate was then regressed on the Time 1 predictors to examine their unique effects.

RESULTS

Models fit well. Five predictors significantly predicted the growth rate after controlling for the average of other predictors. When all predictors were entered simultaneously, three predictors (hope, meaning, and personal growth initiative) showed significant unique effects. The growth rate predicted well-being and satisfaction at Time 6.

CONCLUSION

We successfully measured the rate of psychological growth and examined its antecedents. Follow-up analyses suggested that the predictors not showing unique effects may indirectly predict growth rates via the proximal role of the three significant predictors, an idea that awaits future corroboration using within-individual designs.

Survey on the Perceptions of Pregnancy and Parenthood in Trainees: Advances, Obstacles, and Growth Opportunities

INTRODUCTION

Despite national policy changes, perspective changes on pregnancy and parenting in training are often lacking. We evaluated current viewpoints regarding pregnancy, parenthood, leave needs, and perceptions of support across trainees at our institution.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was sent to all residents and fellows at a tertiary care academic center with >700 trainees. Demographic information, opinions on maternity and paternity leave, and opinions on institutional support and career goals were collected. The survey was sent via the Graduate Medical Education Office listserv -- 66 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) programs and 40 non-ACGME programs.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and forty-seven house officers received the survey with a response rate of 21.9% (n = 164). Of respondents, 81% were residents and 99 respondents were female (representing 31% of female trainees at our institution). Thirty-seven point two percent of respondents reported being parents. Twenty-five point three percent of respondents had been pregnant while a trainee with no statistical difference by specialty type (P = 0.0817). Statistically significant difference was noted in having children based on sex with men becoming parents at twice the rate of women (56% vs 26%, P < 0.001). No difference was noted between specialties on perceived support while pregnant and peripartum. Thirty percent of parent respondents reported thinking about leaving medical training after having children given family stressors. Statistical difference in thoughts of leaving medicine overall between females (46%) and males (17.6%; P = 0.0238).

CONCLUSIONS

Men and women need support as they navigate becoming parents at a naturally stressful transition period. Females consider leaving medicine at twice the rate of males after becoming parents. Our institution and other ACGME programs need greater transparency and consistent leave practices that reflect changing times.

Biobanking animal genetic resources: critical infrastructure and growth opportunities

National animal gene banks have acquired substantial quantities of germplasm that protect and preserve a wide range of livestock breeds. New challenges and growth opportunities are emerging. A key challenge will be increased gene bank use, but this requires increased characterization of phenotypes and genotypes for populations and collections.