Objective This study explored the indirect effects of emotional exhaustion and academic ineffectiveness on the relationship between perceived stress and cynicism in university students, also examining the moderating role of preprofessional internship (PI). Methods A cross-sectional predictive study was conducted that explored the relationship of predictor variables with some criterion variable. Data were obtained through an anonymous survey to which 950 students from two private universities responded (M<inf>age</inf>=23.2±2.2 years, 52.7% women). Structural equation modeling was used to test mediation and moderation. Results Emotional exhaustion and academic ineffectiveness mediated the relationship between perceived stress and cynicism. Like-wise, the implementation of PI moderated both the relationship between perceived stress and emotional exhaustion and the relationship between emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Conclusion These findings provide evidence that perceived stress is associated with increased cynicism through symptoms of emotional exhaustion and academic ineffectiveness. Furthermore, this relationship is moderated by the completion of PI. © 2025 Korean Neuropsychiatric Association.
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