Thirty years of emotional intelligence: A scoping review of emotional intelligence training programme among nurses

Abstract

The stressful environment of any healthcare setting can be detrimental to nurses' mental and emotional health. In recent years, emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a vital psychological resource that positively impacts mental and emotional health and improves organizational functioning and success. This scoping review aimed to collate, synthesize and outline the research conducted on EI training programmes among nurses to assess their effectiveness in improving staff nurses' EI. Electronic databases of MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest, Embase and Web of Science were comprehensively searched for related studies published between 1990 and 2021 (updated in May 2022). Two investigators independently screened the abstracts of the retrieved studies against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of 728 initially retrieved studies, only 7 were included in the final synthesis. The PRISMA‐ScR (2018) checklist was used to report the study findings. All the studies included in the review reported a significant improvement in nurses' EI after a training programme. The results also indicate that EI interventions are an effective way to improve nurses' psychological resources (improve resilience and coping skills; reduce anxiety and stress), leadership qualities, job performance and patient experience of nursing care. As nurses are exposed to a wide range of emotions, human pain and suffering, the results of this review suggest that improving the EI skills of nurses through short training programmes is an effective way to maintain their emotional and mental well‐being. This scoping review is preregistered in Prospero (CRD42020161084).

Prevalence and associated factors of secondary traumatic stress in emergency nurses: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Emotional intelligence is crucial for enhancing nurses’ psychological wellbeing because those with higher emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle demanding work environments (Lee & Sim, 2021 ). Interventions targeting emotional intelligence have proven effective in bolstering nurses’ psychological resources and their ability to manage work-related stress (Liu et al, 2023 ; Saikia et al, 2023 ). The relationship between gender and secondary traumatic stress remains controversial.…”

Does Social and Organizational Support Moderate Emotional Intelligence Training Effectiveness?

“…The literature presents mixed evidence regarding the impact of EI training on learning. Some studies have found a positive impact of EI training on training outcomes, including learning skills, abilities, and knowledge [3,[116][117][118][119][120][121]. In addition, some experimental studies have demonstrated that EI training positively affects experimental groups.…”

“…In the literature, some studies reported a positive impact of EI training on training outcomes, including learning skills, abilities, and knowledge [3,[116][117][118][119][120][121]. Regarding the effect of learning on training transfer, Baldwin and Ford's [28] model explains that learning and retention are considered the determinants of training transfer (generalization and maintenance).…”

Exploring Emotional Intelligence as a Potential Resource for Improving the Experience of Novice Nurses

“…EI is defined as the ability to self-regulate and recognize personal emotions while also responding to others' feelings in an empathetic fashion and developing coping skills that are effective during times of conflict and stress. 4 Some experts assert that EI includes 4 abilities: (1) identifying emotions in oneself and others (self-awareness and awareness of others); (2) self-management; (3) social awareness; and (4) relationship management. 5 High levels of EI are needed during nursing care encounters, particularly because patients and families are often suffering because of physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological distress.…”

“…When people have deficient or inadequate EI, they are less likely to correctly or appropriately recognize or understand emotions. 4 A study of Spanish nurses (N = 125) found that EI may help to protect the nurse from the adverse effects of psychosomatic complaints and burnout while also enhancing nurses' job satisfaction. 6 A scoping review of available EI research that included interventions designed to enhance nurses' EI describes variable strategies that focused on outcomes that included anxiety, coping methods, perceived stress levels, and other results of interest.…”