Dissertation
Investigating the Relationship Between Perceived Medical Faculty Cultural Sensitivity and Resident Engagement
University of West Florida Libraries
Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida
2025
Abstract
This study explored the relationship between emergency medicine residents’ perceptions of faculty cultural sensitivity and their behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement in residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education across the United States. Guided by Gay’s (2002) culturally responsive teaching framework, this quantitative correlational study examined how perceptions and engagement levels varied across demographic groups, including race/ethnicity and gender. Data were collected from 145 emergency medicine residents using the Multicultural Awareness Questionnaire and the University Student Engagement Inventory, validated tools assessing cultural sensitivity and engagement, respectively. Analyses included Pearson’s correlation and two-way analysis of variance tests, revealing a significant, moderate, and positive relationship between faculty cultural sensitivity and resident engagement (r = 0.43, p < .001). White and Asian residents reported significantly higher perceptions of faculty cultural sensitivity (p = .017) and engagement (p = .039) compared to underrepresented/underrecognized groups. Gender differences in cultural sensitivity existed, with male residents perceiving higher sensitivity than female residents (p = .026), though no significant differences existed in engagement levels by gender. These findings underscored the critical role of cultural sensitivity in fostering resident engagement and highlighted disparities across demographic groups, suggesting the need for targeted faculty development and systemic interventions. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on equity in graduate medical education, offering actionable insights for improving inclusivity and supporting diverse resident populations. By advancing understanding of faculty–resident dynamics, this research promotes strategies to cultivate a culturally sensitive and engaged physician workforce.
Details
- Title
- Investigating the Relationship Between Perceived Medical Faculty Cultural Sensitivity and Resident Engagement
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Contributors
- Hilary Fairbrother (Committee Member)Asia Bright (Committee Member)Miu Ha Kwong (Committee Chair) - University of West Florida, Social Work
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 328
- Copyright
- Unpublished work © Kandice Kaylor McLeod
- Identifiers
- 99381356971706600
- Academic Unit
- School of Education
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Doctor of Education (EDD)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida