Learning Environments in Health and Medical Studies: The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence

Ana M Tur-Porcar,Noemí Cuartero-Monteagudo,Julio Fernández-Garrido

doi:10.3390/su11154011

Ana M Tur-Porcar, Noemí Cuartero-Monteagudo + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su11154011

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Abstract

The conventional approach to sustainability is being extended through approaches such as the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development. Under such approaches, the analysis of sustainability also involves understanding improvements in people’s quality of life in environments such as education and learning. Based on this theoretical approach, this study explored the relationships between anxiety, emotional intelligence, and mechanisms for coping with stressful situations. The mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between anxiety and coping mechanisms was also assessed. The anxiety, emotional intelligence, and coping variables were measured using standardized tests administered to students. This cross-sectional study was based on self-reports by health students at universities in Valencia (Spain). The study conformed to the ethical standards established by the Declaration of Helsinki. In total, 434 students participated in the study. The students were aged between 17 and 54 years (M = 21; SD = 0.320). From the perspective of the psychology of sustainability, the results indicate that avoidance coping strategies are positively related to anxiety and are negatively related to emotional intelligence. However, the results also show that approach coping strategies are positively related to emotional intelligence. In addition, the analysis shows the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between anxiety and coping. This study shows the need to encourage the sustainable development of emotional intelligence among health professionals and to consider this sustainable development when designing education programs for health-related fields.

Highlights

The psychology of sustainability and sustainable development is helping to expand the traditional concept of sustainability
We explored the possibilities created by the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development for health students in healthy, well-balanced education [1]
We conclude that emotional intelligence may be crucial for health students and for practice in the health profession because it encourages the use of active coping strategies [18]

Summary

Introduction

The psychology of sustainability and sustainable development is helping to expand the traditional concept of sustainability. Under the psychology of sustainability, the concept of sustainability is broader, covering the dimensions of psychology and health [1]. Sustainability under this approach consists of actions aimed at improving the well-being of people and preventing health problems such as anxiety and the use of inefficient coping strategies to deal with stressful situations in everyday life. The psychology of sustainability and sustainable development involves the analysis of improvements in people’s quality of life in different contexts and institutions [1,2,3] to encourage growth and sustainable development [4]. An institution’s sustainability largely depends on the well-being of the members of that institution and its chances of prospering [2]

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