Changes in the Self-Evaluation of Students’ Mood Status and Ability to Adapt to a Clinical Training Before and After the Introduction of an On-Campus Test Measurement Training Using a Disability Model

Abstract

　During occupational therapist training in Japan, anxiety among the students is known to often increase before undergoing a practical clinical training for the first time. In the present study, an on-campus test measurement training using a disability model was introduced before the practical clinical training. Accordingly, the students were instructed to perform a self-evaluation on their mood status using the Profile of Mood States ２^nd Edition （POMS2） scale and their clinical training adaptation ability using the Self-assessment Scale of Adjustability Related to Practical Placement for Occupational Therapy Students to assess the changes induced by the oncampus test measurement training. Overall, 44 third-year occupational therapy students who provided their consent to participate in the study were included. The POMS2 assessment results showed significant increases in the“ total mood disturbance,”“ confusion–bewilderment,”“ fatigue–inertia,” and“ tension–anxiety” scores and significant decreases in“ vigor–activity” and“ friendliness” scores. In the clinical training adaptation ability evaluation, the“ comprehensive adaptation ability” score was significantly increased, as demonstrated by the increase in POMS2 score. Changes in the mood status and clinical training adaptation ability appeared to be associated with elucidating the students’ present clinical skills using the on-campus test measurement training and experiences related to the disability model.