Determining the Emotional Intelligence Levels of Nursing Students (Cross-Sectional Study)

Tuğba Demiroğlu Dost; Esma Özmaya

doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1793795

Determining the Emotional Intelligence Levels of Nursing Students (Cross-Sectional Study)

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the emotional intelligence (EI) levels of nursing students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive design was employed. Data were collected between September and November 2024 through face-to-face interviews using a Personal Information Form, which included sociodemographic characteristics, and the Emotional Intelligence Scale. The study population consisted of 390 students. Sample size was calculated with G*Power 3.1.9.7 using a power of 95% (1-β = 0.95), alpha of 0.05, and effect size of 0.5, yielding 154 participants. A total of 293 students who volunteered were included. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in EI scores by gender (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in emotional awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, empathy, management of others’ emotions, and total EI scores in relation to academic achievement and students’ efforts to improve EI (p < 0.05). Empathy and management of others’ emotions also varied significantly according to participants’ knowledge of EI (p < 0.05). Moreover, increased age and year of study were associated with higher self-motivation, empathy, and emotional management skills. Conclusion: The findings indicate that gender is not a determinant of EI among nursing students, while academic success, EI awareness, and willingness for self-development are positively related to EI. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating EI competencies into nursing curricula alongside cognitive and technical skills. Strengthening EI in nursing education may enhance students’ empathetic communication, stress management, and contribution to patient safety.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Fundamentals of Nursing

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Tuğba Demiroğlu Dost ^*
0000-0003-3048-4475
Türkiye

Esma Özmaya
0000-0003-0932-4012
Türkiye

Publication Date

February 16, 2026

Submission Date

October 2, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 2, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: January, February, March 2026

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1793795

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA69DG78NM

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

EndNote

Demiroğlu Dost T, Özmaya E (February 1, 2026) Determining the Emotional Intelligence Levels of Nursing Students (Cross-Sectional Study). Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 January, February, March 2026