Emotional Intelligence and Its Relationship With Demographic Characteristics Among Nurses and Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To examine the Trait emotional intelligence levels among nurses and nursing students, investigate the association between its components and explore the relationship between demographic variables and Trait emotional intelligence. 

Design: Cross-sectional Quantitative Study. 

Method: In 2024, we gathered self-reported Trait emotional intelligence scores from 128 nurses and nursing students through an online survey. SPSS was employed to analyse the data, and associations between Trait emotional intelligence components and participant characteristics were measured using correlation and regression techniques. 

Result: The mean Trait emotional intelligence score was 4.92, with Well-being (5.17) and Emotionality (5.05) being the highest components, while Self-control (4.65) and Sociability (4.57) scored lower than the average score. Trait emotional intelligence scores increased with age. There was a strong association between the components of Trait emotional intelligence. 

Conclusion: The study found that nurses and nursing students in this study have relatively high trait emotional intelligence. However, self-control and sociability were the lowest-scoring components, indicating key areas for development. The results underscore the significance of integrating emotional intelligence training into nursing education and professional development. 

Impact: The study addressed a gap in knowledge by examining the associations between emotional intelligence and demographic variables among nurses and nursing students. The findings offer insights for policymakers and educators to enhance emotional intelligence training for nurses and nursing students. 

What Does This Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community?: This paper underscores the significance of emotional intelligence in nursing care and identifies demographic factors influencing emotional intelligence training. It also encourages further global research to explore emotional intelligence's role in clinical practice. 

Reporting Method: The study followed STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional research. 

Public Contribution: No patient or public involvement was included in the design or conduct of this study.