Cognitive empathy and psychological distress in health sciences students: a cross-sectional study

A cross-sectional study is being conducted to explore the relationship between cognitive empathy and psychological distress among health sciences students. The research aims to understand how these factors vary across different health science disciplines and stages of training, and to analyze their interrelationship while accounting for sociodemographic and academic variables. Cognitive empathy, defined as perspective-taking, is recognized as a crucial socioemotional competence in health professions education and has been linked to psychological adjustment.

Understanding the interplay between cognitive empathy and psychological distress is vital for ensuring the well-being and professional readiness of future healthcare professionals. This research can inform educational strategies and support systems designed to cultivate essential socioemotional skills and mitigate mental health challenges in demanding academic and clinical environments.

Cognitive empathy is defined as the ability to adopt another person's perspective.

Forward consideration, not a verified fact.