International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

Exploring Interpersonal Communication Challenges and Their Relationship with Academic Burnout among Medical Sciences Students: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Author
Shahrbanoo Karimi Emamverdikhan
PhD in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
10.30491/ijbs.2026.594425.2342
Abstract
Introduction: Poor interpersonal communication is linked to increased stress, lower social support, and academic burnout in medical students. This mixed-methods study investigated interpersonal communication problems and their association with academic burnout.

Methods: Using a sequential explanatory design, 350 medical sciences students from western Iran completed the IIP-32, MBI-SS, and demographic questionnaires. Data were analyzed using correlation and multiple linear regression. Subsequently, 20 students underwent semi-structured interviews analyzed via Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.

Results: Interpersonal communication problems positively correlated with academic burnout (
π‘Ÿ
=
0.58
,
𝑃
<
0.001
r=0.58,P<0.001
). Low assertiveness (
𝛽
=
0.29
β=0.29
), social avoidance (
𝛽
=
0.24
β=0.24
), and interpersonal difficulties (
𝛽
=
0.18
β=0.18
) predicted academic burnout (
𝑅
2
=
0.36
,
𝑃
<
0.001
R
2
=0.36,P<0.001
). Qualitative analysis identified five themes explaining these findings: fear of judgment, peer conflicts, communication barriers with faculty, interaction-induced burnout, and the need for communication training.

Conclusion: Interpersonal communication problems significantly predict academic burnout. Enhancing communication skills, assertiveness, and support systems can mitigate burnout and improve student well-being.
Keywords
Interpersonal communication problems
Academic burnout
Medical sciences students
Mixed-methods study
Thematic analysis
International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 November 2026