The effect of emotional intelligence training on employed nurses

Background and Purpose: Nurses are frequently exposed to anxiety-related problems. In fact, anxiety and stress can negatively affect nurses' mental health and performance. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of emotional intelligence training on employed nurses in Sabzevar, Iran in 2014. Methods: In this experimental trial, 135 nurses working in Sabzevar hospitals were enrolled and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The subjects were evaluated, using a demographic questionnaire, Bar-On's emotional quotient inventory, and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The intervention group was trained in six sessions by an expert. In the final session, the questionnaires were completed by the participants and analyzed. For statistical analysis, t-test and non-parametrical tests were performed. P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results:Based on the findings, 80% of the samples were female. The mean age of the participants was 32.11±6.68 years. Before the intervention, the difference between the two groups was insignificant (P>0.05), while after the intervention, a negative relationship was found between the STAI score and emotional intelligence in the two groups. Also, the difference between the groups regarding STAI scores was significant (P<0.003). Following the intervention, the emotional intelligence scores were higher in comparison with the pre-intervention period in the intervention group. Also, after the intervention, anxiety decreased in the intervention group in comparison with the pre-intervention period (P<0.001). Conclusion: The present results showed that emotional intelligence scores could improve as a result of training, while the STAI scores significantly decreased.