Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Social Responsibility among Nursing Students of the University of La Salette, Inc.

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) and social responsibility are fundamental qualities that shape the competence and ethical foundation of future nurses. Since healthcare professionals are a critical component in patient care and community health, developing these qualities among nursing students is necessary for their success within society and the healthcare sector. This study aimed to assess the emotional intelligence and social responsibility levels of nursing students and further examines their relationship. Using the descriptive cross-sectional correlational design, the study surveyed 286 nursing students from University of La Salette Inc. ranging from 1st to 4th year nursing students using two adopted questionnaires. The Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) and the Social Responsibility Scale. The findings indicate that there was a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and social responsibility. The findings indicated that the emotional intelligence of the respondents scored at a moderate level, meaning that they can recognize and regulate emotions but need to improve. The findings also indicated that their social responsibility was high, showing that they are capable of making meaningful contributions to society. The findings indicated a moderate positive correlation between the two variables, such that as one rises, so does the other. With this moderate positive correlation, they can to a certain extent predict one another. The research upholds the importance of educational training and courses for the improvement of nursing students' emotional intelligence (EI) and social responsibility in order to equip them for their role in society, as well as the medical profession.