The impact of emotional intelligence on the emotional state of nurses in public hospitals in Cyprus

Abstract

IntroductionThe term emotional intelligence (EI) has gained more and more popularity in the last two decades and has been studied in various workplace settings.Objectives/aimsThe purpose of the present study was to estimate the EI in nursing personnel, to examine which factors are associated with EI and how EI correlates with their emotional state.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2016 in a representative sample of nursing personnel from seven public hospitals of Cyprus. A total of 585 nurses completed the Greek Emotional Intelligence Scale (GEIS), consisting of 52 items measuring four basic emotional skills and scored on a 5-point Likert scale (from low (52) to high (260) EI). Furthermore, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21) was applied. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS v.20.0.ResultsOverall mean EI scores were 184.11 for males and 184.82 for females. Being married and having children as well as having leading position was associated with higher EI (P = 0.024, P = 0.002, P = 0.012, respectively). The highest EI scores were identified between the middle aged nurses (36–50 years, EI = 191.5, P = 0.000) and nurses with more years of work (> 12 years, EI = 189.59, P = 0.000). The overall EI scores have moderate negative correlation with the emotional state of the nurses (P = 0.000).ConclusionsThe present study reveals under-optimal EI scores and confirms the negative relationship with the emotional state of nurses. Based on the literature, the EI can be developed, thus suitable programs could substantially improve the emotional skills in nursing personnel.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.