Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance among Nursing Students in Kathmandu

Abstract

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is the subset of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings and emotions, discriminate among them, and use this information to guide one's thinking and action. The key components of emotional intelligence include moods, stress management techniques, flexibility, and interpersonal and intrapersonal connections, which have a significant impact on students' academic performance. This study aimed to assess the emotional intelligence and academic performance among nursing students.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 314 students (B.Sc. Nursing and BNS program) of Nursing Campus in Kathmandu. The complete enumerative sampling technique was used to select the sample. The validated tool Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) was used to assess emotional intelligence and Academic Performance Scale, developed by Christopher, was used to assess the academic performance level of nursing students. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered and analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics version 22. Point estimate and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results: Among the 314 respondents, 245 (78.00%) had an average level of emotional intelligence, 35 (11.15%) had a high level, and 34 (10.85%) had a low level of emotional intelligence. The academic performance level was good in 181 (57.65%) respondents.

Conclusion: The Emotional intelligence level of nursing students was average, more than half of the respondents had a good level of academic performance, only more than one third of the respondents had excellent level of academic performance. So targeted educational strategies are needed to enhance both emotional and academic development in nursing education.