Who is interested in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy? A multicenter analysis of interest and training-related characteristics 2026 Erschens+

[Andy]

Full title: Who is interested in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy? A multicenter analysis of interest and training-related characteristics among medical students in Germany

Abstract

Background

Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy is an independent medical specialty in Germany, based on a biopsychosocial understanding of disease and characterized by strong core psychotherapeutic competencies. Despite its clinical relevance, little is known about which medical students are interested in this field. Against the background of an aging workforce in the specialty, this study examined associations between educational and psychological characteristics and interest in specialist training in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy.

Methods

In a multicenter cross-sectional study, 3,833 prospective and enrolled medical students from five medical faculties in Baden-Württemberg were surveyed. Data collected included specialty preferences, sociodemographic and educational variables, as well as standardized instruments assessing study-related stress (MBI-SS), self-efficacy, conscientiousness (BFI-K), and vocational interests (RIASEC). Analyses were conducted using bivariate tests and logistic regression models to identify relevant associated factors.

Results

Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy was selected as a preferred specialty by 6.7% of respondents, ranking 12th out of 16 specialties. Bivariate analyses indicated associations between several variables and interest in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. In multivariate analyses, students interested in this specialty were, on average, older (OR=1.11), showed stronger social (OR=1.20) and artistic-linguistic interests (OR=1.22), and lower practical-technical (OR=0.85) and investigative interests (OR=0.92). In addition, they reported lower levels of conscientiousness (OR=0.95), and students in their final clinical year reported such interest less frequently than preclinical students (OR=0.50). Among prospective students, few associations were observed.

Conclusion

The findings allow for a differentiated description of a previously underexplored subgroup of medical students. The identified characteristics point to a specific profile of vocational interests and selected educational features that is consistent with central professional demands of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. The results underscore the importance of targeted measures to strengthen the visibility and attractiveness of the specialty within medical education and provide implications for curriculum development and recruitment of future professionals in the field.

Paywall

 

[Utsikt]

Despite its clinical relevance, little is known about which medical students are interested in this field.

Says who?

In multivariate analyses, students interested in this specialty were, on average, older (OR=1.11), showed stronger social (OR=1.20) and artistic-linguistic interests (OR=1.22), and lower practical-technical (OR=0.85) and investigative interests (OR=0.92).

We can tell from their output.

In addition, they reported lower levels of conscientiousness (OR=0.95), and students in their final clinical year reported such interest less frequently than preclinical students (OR=0.50).

It would have been hilarious if it wasn’t so tragic. At least it seems like education partially dissuades the students from the BPS path.

The identified characteristics point to a specific profile of vocational interests and selected educational features that is consistent with central professional demands of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy.

So you need to not care about others, be less practically and technically inclined, and be less interested in investigating things. Sounds about right.

 

[rvallee]

Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy is an independent medical specialty in Germany, based on a biopsychosocial understanding of disease and characterized by strong core psychotherapeutic competencies

This isn't accurate, and circular. Biopsychosocial "understanding" is what psychosomatic is, it's simply the label they choose when they want to pretend otherwise, a marketing term. This is as accurate as separating Scientology from Dianetics. As for "strong core psychotherapeutic competencies", good grief. Dream on.

It's also more of an alternative concept than a genuine independent medical specialty. If anything, medical is explicitly what it doesn't do. It's a sub-area of psychiatry, but without psychiatry. Basically it's a mess.

This "profile" appears about as useful as any other psychosomatic profile or model. Who is interested in psychosomatics? People interested in psychosomatics. This is how we get genius stuff out of this discipline like "people with symptoms have symptoms, and therefore their symptoms aren't medical, or whatever".

The results underscore the importance of targeted measures to strengthen the visibility and attractiveness of the specialty within medical education and provide implications for curriculum development and recruitment of future professionals in the field.

No one is asking for that, though. In fact, burning this all down would be a massive win-win-win for humanity. What would be the purpose of doing this?

 

[Peter T]

Against the background of an aging workforce in the specialty

We can but hope.

Does this background mean that the researchers are concerned about future recruitment?