Research of the Emotianal Inteligence of Bulgarian Physiotherapy Students

Nezabravka Gencheva ,Mariana Angelcheva ,Todor Marinov ,Ignat Ignatov

doi:10.7176/jmpb/52-03

Abstract

Emotional intelligence is perceived as cognitive ability, social competence or personal disposition. It is a range of emotional competencies which determine the efficiency of human behavior. The aim of the research was to establish the level of emotional intelligence of Bulgarian physiotherapy students and to compare it with the average values for the population. The subject of the research was a total of 50 students with major kinesitherapy who study at the National Sports Academy with mean age 23.5 years(S= 3,66): 23 men and 27 women with mean age 22.96 years (S=3,24) and 24 years (S=3,96) respectively.We used Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire of Schutte , N. S., Malouff, J. M., Hall, L. E., Haggerty, D. J., Cooper, J. T., Golden, C. J. & L. Dornheim. (1998). The SEIS consists of 33 items responded to on a 5-point Likert Scale.The possible range of scoresis from 33 to 165. This questionnaire was translated into Bulgarian in 2006 and adapted for Bulgarian conditions by StoyanovaS. (2010) with a sample consisting mainly of students (N=724). It allows to be interpreted as emotional intelligence both as a general construct and as different components of the construct. Results The physiotherapy students, included in this pilot research, show a little over average levels of emotional intelligence measured with the questionnaire of Schutte,еtal (1998). With the advancement in age and experience the women show a little higher level of emotional intelligence. The Bulgarian version of the emotional intelligence scale of Schutte can be used for determining the level of emotional intelligence of students so that the level of their performance at university as well as their future professional realization can be prognosticated. Conclusion The higher emotional intelligence will help the future physiotherapeutic specialists to fulfill successfully their personal potential. They will have a positive social attitude and good ability for adaptation in the community environment. They will also be able to build healthy relationships with their patients which is a major factor for their motivation to actively take part in the healing process. DOI : 10.7176/JMPB/52-03

Highlights

Emotions are conditions characterized with suddenly arising excitement leading to changes in human’s thoughts and behavior
The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version20 was used for data analysis
We can define emotional intelligence as a number of emotional competencies which determine the efficiency of human behaviour

Summary

Introduction

Emotions are conditions characterized with suddenly arising excitement leading to changes in human’s thoughts and behavior. In order to gain control over emotions people have to possess a certain level of self-knowledge and should examine their own personal traits affecting their behavior and reactions. The different ways of showing human emotions are assessed through Emotional intelligence which is a relatively new area of study. Gardner (1983)developed the concept for intrapersonal intelligence which is the ability to understand oneself and assess one’s own feelings and motivation and interpersonal intelligence which is related to the ability to comprehend the others’ expectations, motivation and desires. These two integrative parts, according to Gardner,formed the emotional intelligence

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