Embedding a Wellness Space in Psychiatry Training: Reducing Stress and Improving Trainee Well-Being

Burnout among psychiatry trainees remains a widespread concern despite increasing national attention to physician well-being. While individual-based wellness strategies are common, organization-level interventions that address environmental and structural contributors to stress are less frequently implemented or evaluated. This project aimed to promote psychological recovery and reduce stress by embedding a wellness space directly into the psychiatry training environment. Our team created a dedicated relaxation space within the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) touchdown area, designed specifically for resident and fellow use. The semi-private room featured a high-quality massage chair, softer lighting, and calming design features. The space was co-developed with resident input and funded through a GME Wellness Grant. Fifty-one psychiatry trainees were invited to complete validated wellness measures‚ the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (0-25 higher = better well-being) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; 0-40 higher = more stress) at baseline, 12 weeks, and 18 weeks following implementation. Linear mixed-effects models showed statistically significant reductions in perceived stress at both 12 weeks (p=0.013) and 18 weeks (p=0.048), and a significant improvement in well-being at 18 weeks (p=0.006). Among massage chair users, WHO-5 scores improved by 2.6 points (p=0.02), and PSS scores dropped by 2.6 points (p=0.02), both reflecting meaningful benefit. Trainee feedback reinforced these findings: 92% reported reduced stress with chair use, and 100% endorsed improved wellness. This initiative adds to a growing body of evidence that low-cost, structural changes to the work environment can meaningfully improve trainee well-being and foster psychological safety in medical training.