Emotional Intelligence among Students of a Nursing College, Nepal-Cross Sectional Study Design

Abstract

Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EI) includes the ability to be self-aware of one’s emotional state, to make meaning of emotional reactions, and to regulate and manage emotional reactions. It also involves possessing the capability for motivation, creativity and the potentiality to perform at an optimal level when completing tasks. The aim of this study was to assess the emotional intelligence among nursing students.

Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out from March, 2019 to February 2020 at Lalitpur nursing college,Sanepa. A total of 263 students selected by total enumerative sampling technique. Emotional intelligence was assessed using
Emotional Quotient Self Assessment Checklist. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Chi-square test was used to investigate statistical significance between socio demographic variables, academic achievement and emotional intelligence.

Results: Study findings revealed that 184 (70.0%) students had average, 74 (28.1%) had high and 5 (1.9%) had low level of emotional intelligence. There was statistically significant association between age and program of students and emotional intelligence but no statistically significant association was found between academic achievement and emotional intelligence.

Conclusion: The study concludes that the majority of nursing students exhibit an average level of emotional intelligence, with significant associations observed between Emotional Intelligence and socio-demographic factors(age and program of study), but not with academic achievement. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to enhance emotional intelligence, particularly for younger students and those in BSc programs.