Relationship between emotional intelligence and self-esteem among nursing students

Abstract

Background Emotional intelligence and self-esteem are important factors that determine success in nursing practice. Assessing the levels of emotional intelligence and level of self-esteem for ascertaining student’s progress is important for guaranteeing competent nursing skills training. Aim The aim was to investigate emotional intelligence and self-esteem among nursing students. Design A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. Setting The study was carried out at the Faculty of Nursing, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt. Patients and methods Four hundred nursing students were randomly selected from different academic levels using simple random sampling. Tools The data was collected using two tools: Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale and Cooper-Smith Self-Esteem Inventory, in addition to sociodemographic and academic data sheet. Results The results showed that more than half of the studied students had moderate levels of emotional intelligence and the majority had problematic level of self-esteem (low and moderate). There was a positive significant relation between emotional intelligence level and self-esteem among nursing students. Recommendations The present study recommends that the student’s level of emotional intelligence and self-esteem should be evaluated earlier to admission to the Faculty of Nursing, and integrate emotional intelligence into the nursing curriculums.