The Interplay of Emotional Intelligence and Resilience in Predicting Non- Suicidal Self-Injury among Nursing Students

Roushdy Hashem, Shereen; Abd Allah Montaser, Amira; Maher Alhalawany, Rania

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2025.449982

The Interplay of Emotional Intelligence and Resilience in Predicting Non- Suicidal Self-Injury among Nursing Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

² Assistant Professor of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2025.449982

Abstract

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among young adults and often correlates with difficulties in emotion regulation and coping strategies. This study aimed to explore the role of emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience in predicting NSSI among nursing students. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized from January 2025 to April 2025. Setting: The study was conducted at the faculty of nursing, Menoufia University, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sample of 416 nursing students was selected from the previously mentioned setting. Tools: Four tools were used tool 1: A structured interview questionnaire to assess socio demographic characteristics of the studied students, tool 2: The emotional intelligence scale to assess students emotional intelligence score, tool 3: The brief resilience scale to assess the students level of resilience and tool 4: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) to evaluate the frequency and severity of non-suicidal self-injury behaviours among the studied students. Results: There was a highly statistically significant relation and positive correlation between EI and resilience, and there was a highly statistically significant relation and negative correlation between resilience and NSSI, as well as between EI and NSSI. Higher EI and resilience were associated with lower frequencies and severity of NSSI, and vice versa. Conclusion: There is an inverse relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience with the frequency and severity of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI); as EI and resilience increase, the frequency and severity of NSSI decrease, and vice versa. Recommendations: Stress management and assertiveness training programs should be offered to students who are experiencing psychosocial stress and resort to maladaptive coping methods, to alleviate their psychological issues and improve their resilience and emotional intelligence.

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