Emotional Intelligence and Health-Related Quality of Life among First-year Nursing Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67167/vertex.624Keywords:
emotional intelligence, health-related quality of life, first-year student nurses, self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skillsAbstract
Abstract. This study aimed to examine the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among first-year student nurses at Foundation University. Recognizing the critical role of emotional competencies in academic success and overall well-being, the study explored how EI dimensions—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills—correlate with HRQoL domains, including physical, social, mental, and general health. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design, 212 first-year nursing students were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were gathered using self-made validated questionnaires for EI and HRQoL. Descriptive statistics, weighted mean, and Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient were employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed that respondents generally exhibited a “high” level of EI across all dimensions, with self-awareness and empathy showing particularly strong scores. HRQoL results indicated that students “frequently” engaged in activities supporting physical and general health, while social and mental health were maintained “most of the time.” Statistical analysis demonstrated that all EI dimensions were significantly positively correlated with HRQoL domains, indicating that higher emotional intelligence is associated with better health-related outcomes. No significant relationships were observed between students’ age and sex and most EI and HRQoL measures, except for a notable association between sex and general health. These results highlight the importance of fostering EI among student nurses to enhance their overall well-being, resilience, and academic performance. The study recommends integrating emotional intelligence development programs within nursing education to support students’ physical, social, mental, and general health, thereby contributing to improved quality of life and professional readiness.
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