Gender Difference in Emotional Intelligence and its Component Traits in Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction
 Emotional intelligence (EI) is a measure of emotional awareness. Higher EI is associated with improved patient-physician relationship, increased empathy, improved teamwork and communication abilities, stress management, organization commitment, leadership and higher academic performance. The aim of this study is to assess EI in medical students and to investigate if there is any gender difference in EI. We also studied the difference in the EI traits in relation to gender.
 Materials and Method
 It is an observational, survey based study. EI was assessed using Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). SSEIT was distributed to 278 students after informed consent. Students have to respond on a five point Likert's scale. The data obtained were interpreted using descriptive statistics and analyzed with R statistical software package.
 Results
 21% of students were found to have very high EI. 71% were found to have average EI. 8% were found to have low EI. Among the male students, 75% were having average EI score, 18% had high EI and 7% had very low EI. Among the female participants, 68% were found to have average EI, 23% had very high EI and 9% had low EI. EI was similar in both genders and the component traits measured by SSEIT were also similar in both gender.
 Conclusion
 EI and its trait is similar in both genders. Training modules can be incorporated in graduate medical education programme to improve EI in both genders.