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Comparing predictors of emotional intelligence among medical and nursing staff in national health system and military hospitals: A cross-sectional study in Greece

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a crucial skill in the healthcare industry, closely related to empathy, communication, and stress tolerance. Although EI has been well researched among healthcare workers, there is little information comparing organizational structures. Objective: Our purpose of this study was to examine the EI of medical staff employed by the Armed Forces (military) and National Health System (NHS) hospitals in Athens, Greece, and investigate the connection between EI and professional or demographic traits. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to July 2023 involving 1108 healthcare professionals (nurses and physicians) recruited through convenience sampling. Participants worked in ICUs, surgical, and medical departments of four military and three NHS hospitals in Attica EI was measured using the Greek-validated Wong and Law EI Scale (WLEIS). Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out. Analyses of bivariate and multivariable linear regression were performed. Results: < 0.001). Contrary to several earlier findings, male professionals showed higher values in emotional regulation and overall, EI. Higher EI is related to greater professional experience and permanent work status. Healthcare professionals who were working on rotated shifts reported higher scores for EI compared with those who were working morning shifts. Conclusions: The EI of medical and nursing staff is influenced by work experience, employment stability, and organizational structure. Military hospitals and the hierarchical structures of such hospitals may pose an obstacle to emotional growth and expression. This underscores the necessity of specialized EI training in these settings. Finally, these results highlight the necessity of the development of EI to enhance patient care and teamwork.

Source: AIMS Public Health

DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2025034

Authors: Vassiliki Diamantidou, Evangelos C. Fradelos, Athina Kalokairinou, Daphne Kaitelidou, Petros Galanis

Institutions: Hellenic Air Force, Hellenic Airforce General Hospital, University of Thessaly, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Language: English

Topic: Emotional Intelligence and Performance

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $300