# Impact of a Peer-Led International Training Program on Work Motivation Among Early-Career Psychiatrists: A Mixed-Methods Study

## TL;DR

A peer-led training program for early-career psychiatrists in Japan improved their work motivation over three months.

## Contribution

This study shows how a short, peer-led international training program can boost work motivation in early-career psychiatrists.

## Key findings

- The MWM-12 total score significantly improved after the training program.
- Specific sub-items like achievement-oriented and cooperation-oriented motivation increased significantly.
- Qualitative analysis showed growth in professional development and peer interaction.

## Abstract

Background

The Japan Young Psychiatrists Organization (JYPO) has conducted a Course for Academic Development of Psychiatrists (CADP), a peer-led residential international training program, since 2002 to promote the professional development of early-career psychiatrists. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CADP on participants' work motivation using a psychometric scale and to identify the factors contributing to these changes.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-method study with 23 Japanese participants of the 21st CADP from March 8 to 10, 2024, in Himeji, Japan. Work motivation was assessed using the abbreviated version of the Measure of Multifaceted Work Motivations (MWM-12) at two time points: two weeks before and three months after the course. The total and subitem scores of the MWM-12 were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Furthermore, free-text responses collected before and after the course were subjected to qualitative analyses.

Results

Significant improvements were observed in the MWM-12 total score from pre-course to post-course. Significant increases were also identified in specific sub-items: M1 (directionality of achievement-oriented motivation), M4 (directionality of competition-oriented motivation), M6 (sustainability of competition-oriented motivation), and M9 (sustainability of cooperation-oriented motivation). Qualitative analysis revealed changes in key categories, including growth as a psychiatrist, personal networking, personal growth, and increased motivation. The integration of quantitative and qualitative findings suggested that enhanced career perspectives (M1), professional growth and peer interaction (M4), and increased self-confidence and support networks (M6 and M9) contributed to improved motivation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that a three-day, two-night peer-led training program positively influenced work motivation among early-career psychiatrists.