Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Ethical Sensitivity in Turkish Nursing Students

Abstract

Providing effective care to patients and making the right decisions in difficult working environments depend on moral sensitivity. Emotional intelligence and ethical sensitivity affect nursing care. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nursing students' emotional intelligence and ethical sensitivity levels. The research employed a descriptive-correlational design, 201 nursing students studying at a university in the Central Anatolia region, Turkey, participated in the study. Students' ethical sensitivity was found to be significant. The nursing students received the highest score in the "Interpersonal Orientation" sub-dimension of the Moral Sensitivity Scale, while their lowest score was observed in the "Experiencing ethical dilemma" sub-dimension. The SSREIT and MMSQSN total scores of the students who willingly chose the nursing department and loved their field were found to be higher. It was found that the ethical sensitivity of nursing students was at a significant level and gender, family type, having sibling(s) and perception of economic status affected the level of ethical sensitivity.

Effect of empathy competence on moral sensitivity in Chinese student nurses: the mediating role of emotional intelligence

“…EI was also found to be a predictive factor of moral sensitivity among Chinese student nurses. That was consistent with previous research [ 20 , 21 ]. Individuals with higher EI predict better emotion regulation ability, monitoring, and adjusting their psychology and behaviour, and they tend to be better at analysing and reasoning about moral concerns.…”

“…EI is equally significant in influencing professional relationships and patient care decisions. The EI score in this study was lower than that reported in the prior two studies [ 21 , 30 ]. This may be due to the fact that Chinese education pays little attention to the cultivation of students' EI at all stages, and students cannot adequately manage the challenges from their surroundings and cope with difficulties in their daily life.…”

“…Nursing students' EI is equally important in the development of moral sensitivity. Nursing students with advanced EI will have a better understanding of emotions and how emotions affect ethical decision-making [ 21 ].…”

Assessing the Ethical Concerns of Medical Students in the Gross Anatomy Lab

“…14 Additionally, a study conducted on Turkish nursing students found a correlation between the emotional intelligence and ethical sensitivity of students. 15 Our findings align with these studies as we found female students to have significantly higher EC scores than male students. However, multiple studies have shown a correlation between AP and emotional intelligence which does not align with the findings in our study as AP was not a strong predictor for EC.…”

Nature of Suffering, Anarchy, Life and Liberty: Is the Cure Worse Than the Disease?

“…High standards of data recording and professional integrity are required to ensure that beneficial results are truthful, and adverse effects are rigorously assessed and reported. Ergin et al (2022) report a study correlating emotional intelligence and ethical sensitivity tool scores for Turkish nursing students. They found that those who are happy in their career choice had the highest ethical and empathetic scores.…”