The upside to depression: Undergraduates benefit from an instructor revealing depression in a large-enrollment physiology course

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, join Tasneem F. Mohammed, Nolina Doud, Sara E. Brownell, and Katelyn M. Cooper as they discuss their recently published paper, "The Upside to Depression: Undergraduates Benefit from an Instructor Revealing Depression in a Large-Enrollment Physiology Course." In the study, an instructor of a large physiology course openly disclosed her depression to students on two separate occasions. The research explores how this revelation impacted students' perceptions of the instructor, the classroom environment, and their overall experience.

Through a survey of 289 undergraduates, the study found that most students remembered the disclosure, with a significant majority reporting a positive impact. The findings show that for some groups, such as women, LGBTQ+ students, and those with more severe depressive symptoms, the disclosure helped normalize depression and fostered a more inclusive and approachable learning atmosphere. This conversation delves into the implications of instructors revealing their own struggles with mental health, challenging the stigma around depression, and offering new perspectives on building supportive and inclusive educational spaces.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the power of vulnerability in teaching and its potential to transform student experiences.

 

The upside to depression: undergraduates benefit from an instructor revealing depression in a large-enrollment physiology course

Tasneem F. Mohammed, Nolina Doud, Sara E. Brownell, and Katelyn M. Cooper

Advances in Physiology Education 2024 48:4, 884-897