Emotional intelligence weakly predicts academic success in medical programs: a multilevel meta-analysis and systematic review

Abstract

Background Emotional intelligence (EI) is a predictive factor of academic success in undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs. Although some research suggests a positive association between EI and academic success in MD programs, other research reports neither an association nor a negative correlation between the two variables. The current study aimed to resolve these contradictory findings by conducting a systematic review and a meta-analysis using research from 2005 to 2022. Methods Data were analyzed using a multilevel modeling approach to (a) estimate the overall relationship between EI and academic success in MD programs and (b) determine whether the mean effect size varies according to country (United States vs. non-United States countries), age, EI test, EI task nature (ability-based vs. trait-based), EI subscales, and academic performance criteria (grade point average vs. examinations). Results Findings from 20 studies (m = 105; N = 4,227) indicated a positive correlation between EI and academic success (r = .13, 95% CI [.08, – .27], p < .01). Moderator analyses indicated that the mean effect size significantly varied according to EI tests and EI subscales. Moreover, three-level multiple regression analyses showed that between-study variance explained 29.5% of the variability in the mean effect size, whereas within-study variance explained 33.5% of the variability in the mean effect. Conclusions Overall, the current findings show that EI is significantly, albeit weakly, related to academic success in MD programs. Medical researchers and practitioners can therefore focus on integrating EI-related skills into the MD curriculum or target them through professional development training and programs.

Need Action for No Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence on Physical Activity Among Undergraduates in Colombo District

“…There is no relationship between EI on PA among the Colombo district state university undergraduates. 7 , 8 , 17 According to the prevailing literature, it shows that there is a relationship between EI and PA. 6 , 7 , 18 …”

“… 7 , 8 In recent years, many tests have been carried out that promise to measure EI. 7 , 8 Some of these tests look promising, but many remain empirical judgments. When considering about EI, there are many methods to measure EI.…”

“…[4][5][6] Emotional Intelligence is closely associated with emotional knowledge that promotes emotional evaluation, perception, expression, understanding, and emotional and intellectual growth. 7,8 In recent years, many tests have been carried out that promise to measure EI. 7,8 Some of these tests look promising, but many remain empirical judgments.…”

Emotional intelligence among medical students in Sweden – a questionnaire study

“…This is worrisome and could perhaps be countered by introducing more training on EI since aspects related to EI have been shown to be essential for mental health [ 51 ]. According to previous studies enhancing EI in future physicians could equip them, not only to handle the stressors of working life [ 18 – 21 ] but also to help them reach their full academic and clinical potential [ 4 , 16 , 17 ]. Thus, future longitudinal studies are needed to identify factors that could improve EI among medical students; e.g., to design curricular activities aimed at supporting the EI of the next generation of physicians.…”

“…In medical settings, higher levels of EI have been associated with successful leadership, resulting in greater productivity and efficiency [ 7 , 12 – 15 ]. High EI also predicts better academic performance [ 4 , 16 , 17 ] and is associated with lower stress and anxiety levels [ 18 – 20 ]. Some evidence also indicates that EI could protect against burnout [ 21 , 22 ].…”