IJME - Do medical specialists cope with stressors through fulfillment of basic psychological needs of self-determination theory

Table 2. Overview of coping narratives

Coping narratives
Narratives about the fulfilment of autonomy	Narrative about the fulfillment of relatedness
1) The narrative of acceptance We recognized narratives of acceptance, in which specialists coped with daily stressors by accepting them and accepting that they have no influence over the stressors. 2) The narrative of reinstating autonomy A second narrative that we recognized was one of control. Medical specialists actively try to gain control over their tasks and daily schedule despite the 'administrative jungle' and other threats to their professional autonomy.	3) The narrative of relationships The third narrative is about togetherness and relationships, both at work and at home.

Coping narratives

Narratives about the fulfilment of autonomy

Narrative about the fulfillment of relatedness

1) The narrative of acceptance We recognized narratives of acceptance, in which specialists coped with daily stressors by accepting them and accepting that they have no influence over the stressors. 2) The narrative of reinstating autonomy A second narrative that we recognized was one of control. Medical specialists actively try to gain control over their tasks and daily schedule despite the 'administrative jungle' and other threats to their professional autonomy.

3) The narrative of relationships The third narrative is about togetherness and relationships, both at work and at home.

Int J Med Educ. 2021; 12:245-256; doi: 10.5116/ijme.618a.463c