Emotional Intelligence, Resilience and Burnout among Psychiatric Nurses: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Analysis in Post-Pandemic Mental Health Care

Abstract

Background and Aims: The provision of compassionate support to patients navigating complex mental health challenges represents a fundamental responsibility of psychiatric nurses. Yet, the cumulative burden of moral distress, systemic pressure, and emotional demands significantly elevates the susceptibility of this workforce to burnout. As healthcare systems transition into the post-pandemic era, identifying the psychological determinants that underpin workforce resilience has become imperative. While emotional intelligence is widely acknowledged as a pivotal nursing competency, its specific predictive capacity regarding resilience and burnout within psychiatric environments requires further empirical investigation. The study aimed to evaluate the predictive associations between emotional intelligence, resilience, and burnout among psychiatric nurses in the context of post-pandemic healthcare. Methods: Employing a stratified random sampling approach, this multisite, cross-sectional inquiry recruited 312 psychiatric nurses from five tertiary mental health institutions in Cairo, Egypt. Between July and October 2025, data acquisition occurred via the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey. Results: Analysis indicated a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and resilience (r = .46, p < .001) alongside a negative association with burnout (r = –.42, p < .001). Regression modeling demonstrated that emotional intelligence accounted for 38% of the variance in resilience levels. Furthermore, when combined, resilience and emotional intelligence explained 41% of the variance in burnout scores, following adjustments for demographic covariates. Conclusions: Higher levels of emotional intelligence and resilience are strong predictors of reduced burnout among psychiatric nurses. Interventions targeting these intrinsic psychological resources may be instrumental in sustaining workforce well-being in the post-pandemic landscape.

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