Effect of Emotional Intelligence Training Program on Stress and Self-Efficacy among Nursing Students

Mohamed Ibrahim, Ramy; Mohamed Lofty  Aboraya, Enas; Mohamed Sultan, Hussien; Adel Fouda, Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2025.464083

Effect of Emotional Intelligence Training Program on Stress and Self-Efficacy among Nursing Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ (1M.Sc. Nursing, Ain-Shams University

² (2Assist Professor of Hospital and Nursing Management, Military Medical Academy

³ (3Professor of Public Health & Community Medicine, Military Medical Academy

⁴ (4Professor of Public Health & Community Medicine, Zagazig University.

10.21608/ejhc.2025.464083

Abstract

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) has been suggested as a protective factor for stress, while low EI is associated with a decline in self-efficacy (SE). Aim of study: to evaluate the effect of emotional intelligence training program on stress and self-efficacy among nursing students. Design: An open-label one group quasi-experimental study design with pre-post assessment was used to achieve the aim of the study. Setting: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing affiliated to the Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI) in Cairo. Subject: A fixed stratified random sampling technique was used in recruiting students from the two selected levels. Thus, 75 students were recruited from each of the Levels I and IV. Tools A self-administered questionnaire was used comprising Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test [SSEIT]), Perceived Stress Scale, and Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale. The researcher prepared and implemented the EI program and evaluated its effect immediately and after 3 months. Results: Nursing students’ median age was 20.5 years, with 51.3% males, with no previous training in EI (98.0%). There were significant increasing trends in EI scores, and decreasing trends in stress scores, with slight increases in SE. In multivariate analysis the study intervention was a positive predictor of EI and SE scores, and in addition to the EI score it was a negative predictor of the stress score. Conclusion: The EI program is effective in improving nursing students’ self-efficacy and relieving their stress. Recommendations: The study recommends more in-depth inclusion of the topic of EI in nursing. Studies of the effect of EI programs on nursing students’ academic achievement and clinical performance are proposed.

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