Student midwife support circles: do they influence emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging to the midwifery profession?

Jessie Johnson-Cash; Terri Downer; Prudence Millear; Jackie Holt; Leanne Francia

doi:10.1016/j.midw.2025.104536

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Student midwife support circles: do they influence emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging to the midwifery profession?

Journal article

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Student midwife support circles: do they influence emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging to the midwifery profession?

Jessie Johnson-Cash, Terri Downer, Prudence Millear, Jackie Holt and Leanne Francia

Midwifery, Vol.148, pp.1-9

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2025.104536

PMID: 40706214

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Abstract

Midwifery

Other health

Student midwife

Peer support

Student midwife support circles

Emotional wellbeing

Professional belonging

Midwifery professional experience placements

Background Student midwives experience a variety of stressors; in particular, those who attend traumatic events or witness systemic violence and bullying are at risk of developing psychological distress, and a reduced sense of belonging to the midwifery profession. Support circles have been identified as a potential intervention to address these stressors, however, there are limited studies in this area. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the impact of facilitated peer support circles on student midwives' emotional wellbeing and their sense of belonging to the midwifery profession. Methods A mixed-method research design comprised of a cross-sectional survey and individual interviews was used. Participants were drawn from past and current student midwives from one regional Australian university. Results Thirty-one participants (N = 31) responded to the survey. Participants who attended at least one support circle (n = 22) reported increased emotional wellbeing, reduced placement stress and increased sense of belonging. There was a correlation between attendance at support circles and increased compassion satisfaction (positive measure of helping behaviour and satisfaction with the care they provide) as well as a correlation between circle attendance, expectations of midwifery, likelihood of working in midwifery in 10 years, and sense of belonging. Three participants (N = 3) were interviewed. Participants reported that support circles enabled them to discuss academic concerns as well as personal and distressing clinical experiences and that peer support and the development of social connections with other student midwives from across various year levels was highly valued. Conclusion Student circles provide support and are a valuable co-curricular activity promoting emotional wellbeing and a sense of professional belonging.

Details

Title: Student midwife support circles: do they influence emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging to the midwifery profession?
Authors: Jessie Johnson-Cash (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Midwifery
Terri Downer (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Midwifery
Prudence Millear (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Healthy Ageing Research Cluster
Jackie Holt (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Midwifery
Leanne Francia (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Midwifery, Vol.148, pp.1-9
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2025.104536
ISSN: 1532-3099
PMID: 40706214
Grant note: This project was internally funded by the University of the Sunshine Coast (SPARK grant).
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Midwifery
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991144338802621
Output Type: Journal article

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