The level of emotional intelligence among Saudi nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Background: Emotional intelligence is an individual’s capacity to comprehend, use, and
control their own emotions to communicate and connect with people successfully. The
emotional intelligence level among nursing students indicates their ability to regulate their
emotions, possess self-awareness, demonstrate empathy, have motivation, and display social
skills, impacting how they adapt during their education and preparation for nursing care.
However, studies investigating emotional intelligence in the Saudi Arabian context are scarce.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the degree of emotional intelligence and its
differences according to sociodemographic variables among nursing students in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 322 nursing students conveniently
selected at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected between May and June
2023 utilizing the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). Descriptive
statistics, such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage, independent t-test,
and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis.
Results: Most of the students had emotional intelligence levels ranging from moderate to high
(96.6%). There were significant differences in emotional intelligence levels according to the
age of students, gender, year of study, marital status, mother’s education, physical and
psychological health, and grade point average (p <0.05).
Conclusion: The study findings may offer valuable insights for nursing educators in
universities, emphasizing the importance of enhancing emotional intelligence and integrating
it into nursing curricula. Additionally, it highlights the need to develop effective strategies and
training sessions and workshops according to sociodemographic factors to enhance
emotional intelligence levels among nursing students.