Coping with chaos: relationships between rumination, stress, and resilience in physicians

Abstract Rumination, characterized by repetitive and passive thinking, is examined in this study in relation to psychological resilience among physicians exposed to occupational stressors that can affect their mental health. Understanding the factors that contribute to resilience in this population is crucial for effectively addressing mental health challenges within the medical community. A total of 205 physicians completed an online survey including sociodemographic questions and validated measures of rumination, perceived stress, and resilience. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation, regression, and moderation analyses. Higher levels of perceived stress and rumination were associated with lower resilience. Regression analyses indicated that both variables were independently associated with resilience. The moderation model showed that rumination did not significantly moderate the relationship between perceived stress and resilience. Participants with current psychiatric diagnoses or suicidal ideation reported higher perceived stress and lower resilience. Those reporting greater satisfaction with their work and social life reported lower levels of stress and rumination and higher resilience. Female physicians reported significantly higher perceived stress and lower resilience compared to males; however, there was no statistically significant gender difference in rumination. Interventions aimed at reducing stress and targeting maladaptive rumination (e.g., rumination-focused therapies, digital health tools) may help protect psychological well-being, particularly in high-risk groups such as female physicians or those with mental health difficulties. Future longitudinal and prospective studies are needed to clarify the temporal relationships among stress, rumination, and resilience.