An Explanatory Model of Emotional Intelligence and Its Association with Stress, Burnout Syndrome, and Non-Verbal Communication in the University Teachers.

Pilar Puertas-Molero,Félix Zurita-Ortega,Gabriel González-Valero,Asunción Martínez-Martínez,Ramón Chacón-Cuberos,Manuel Castro-Sánchez

doi:10.3390/jcm7120524

Pilar Puertas-Molero, Félix Zurita-Ortega + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7120524

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Abstract

The present study set out to define and contrast an explanatory model of perception of stress, the dimensions of burnout syndrome, emotional intelligence, and non-verbal communication in a sample of university teachers. A total of 1316 teachers from Spain, aged between 24 and 70 years (M = 45.64, SD = 10.33) and evenly distributed between both sexes, participated. The measurement instruments employed were the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24), and the Nonverbal Immediacy Scale (NIS) A structural equation model was produced that demonstrated adequate fit to the empirical data (130,259; df = 9; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.907; NIF = 0.914; IFI = 0.923; RMSEA = 0.077). Results revealed that stress relates positively with emotional exhaustion and negatively with personal fulfilment. Emotional exhaustion was associated directly with emotional attention and inversely with emotional clarity and emotional repair, with these being linked to personal fulfilment. Both emotional clarity and repair related positively with non-verbal communication. Conclusions from the present study are that emotional intelligence and body language are two relevant factors in the prevention of burnout syndrome, and as a result can help to ensure the mental wellbeing of university teachers.

Highlights

Evidence, such as that produced by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), suggests that the working sector is currently finding itself in an alarming situation, in which mental health problems are increasing with 1 in every 10 workers suffering chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, or depression, amongst others
This study investigates whether and to what extent correct emotional management and use of body language are associated with habits of mental well-being in university teachers
The findings reveal that prolonged stress is a predictor of burnout syndrome, finding a relationship between the former and emotional exhaustion

Summary

Introduction

Evidence, such as that produced by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), suggests that the working sector is currently finding itself in an alarming situation, in which mental health problems are increasing with 1 in every 10 workers suffering chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, or depression, amongst others Such issues are the second main cause of unemployment, absence from work, early retirement, and even hospitalization of those afflicted. The adrenal glands release high levels of cortisol and adrenaline, the latter ensures that blood glucose levels rise significantly in order to provide the body with energy in dangerous situations If this situation is prolonged in time, it causes corporal and mental exhaustion [10,11,12]

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