PROGRAM AND TRAINEE LIFESTYLE STRESS: A SURVEY OF AAMFT STUDENT MEMBERS

Abstract

Student members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (n = 900) were randomly selected and surveyed regarding perceptions of certain MFT training program and graduate student lifestyle stressors. The return rate was 329 (37%) of the 900 students surveyed. The sample was 70% female and 30% male. Sixty-five percent of the sample were married. Sixty-one percent were in master's, 25% were in doctoral, and 12% were in other postgraduate programs. Potential high stressors were the number of hours students worked to support themselves and the number of hours spouses or significant others worked. Twenty-seven percent of students had considered dropping out due to program demands. Only 11.2% had actually done so. Nearly 11% reported current antidepressant use. Recommendations for further research directions on the topic of MFT trainee stress are provided.