Measuring Emotional Intelligence Among Nursing Students in Saudi Arabia: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Aims: Emotional intelligence (EI) facilitates the efficient management of the emotions of the self and others in a harmonious manner. Optimal EI skills can help nursing students master their socio-occupational interactions during intensive skills training sessions and the delivery of patient care. In this exploratory research, EI level and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics were investigated among nursing students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study involving 292 nursing students from Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia was performed. The participants completed the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test and socio-demographic sheet from March to April 2025. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used. Results: Most of the participants (80.1%) recorded a low-to-moderate level of EI. The EI scores showed age/ marital status-related significant differences (p < 0.05). The dimension of appraisal and expression of emotions in the self and in others recorded highest, while the dimension related to the utilization of emotions in solving problems showed lowest scores. EI was highest among master’s students for education level group, 50 years old and above had lowest score among age groups, and divorces had highest score among social status group. Conclusion: The findings show vital information that nursing educators need to build their EI competencies and establish EI education programs for their teaching curricula. Educational institutions need to develop specific training programs and workshops that address the research findings to help students from different socio-demographic groups who have distinct EI profiles.

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