# Utilizing the Style Under Stress™ tool within Crucial Conversations© methodology to stimulate veterinary students' reflective practice of communication behaviors during client interactions

## TL;DR

This study explores how veterinary students use the Style Under Stress™ tool to reflect on communication behaviors during challenging client interactions.

## Contribution

The study introduces the use of the Style Under Stress™ self-assessment to enhance veterinary students' reflective practice in communication training.

## Key findings

- Most veterinary students consistently exhibited a 'Silence' style during crucial conversations.
- The Style Under Stress™ assessment was integrated into communication training to help students understand their communication defaults.
- Student communication styles remained consistent across multiple years of the veterinary curriculum.

## Abstract

“Crucial” conversations occur commonly in the veterinary profession and students require exposure to, and training in, these difficult communication dynamics.

To introduce the concept of how people respond during perceived crucial, intense, or difficult communication dynamics, we asked first-semester veterinary students to complete a “Style Under Stress™” self-assessment offered by the Crucial Conversations© (Crucial Learning) educational platform. This tool is used in the training of the Crucial Conversations© model and provides important insight into how people may respond during crucial conversations. First-year veterinary students in the initial (fall) semester of their curriculum completed this assessment beginning in 2016 (Class of 2020) continuing annually through fall of 2024 (Class of 2028).

Responses were compared between classes (years) to determine student style consistency between years. Most students were assigned a “Silence” style (examples including “withdrawing,” “masking,” or “avoiding”) and this was preserved throughout the different years.

The feedback provided through the assessment is used as a component of medical communication training in developing competency during crucial communication encounters. Students learn about their individual defaults as well as how others may respond in similar crucial conversation situations.