Emotional Intelligence Level in Students of a Health Sciences Higher Education Institution in Portugal

Abstract

Introduction
Health education requires high levels of emotional intelligence, involving the development of competencies that enable individuals to recognize, understand, and effectively manage emotions, thereby fostering emotional and intellectual growth in future health professionals.

Objective
To assess the level of Emotional Intelligence among a group of higher education students enrolled in health sciences programs and to explore the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and sociodemographic variables.

Methods
A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2024. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising sociodemographic information and the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, validated for use in Portugal. A total of 178 students from a private institution in Northern Portugal participated in the study. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 29.0), applying descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.

Results
Participants demonstrated a high level of Emotional Intelligence, with a mean total score of 72.20%. Age and marital status were significantly associated with emotion perception, while sex was associated with the perception of others’ emotions. Students with higher Emotional Intelligence were generally older, married or in a domestic partnership, Portuguese, female, and enrolled in the Nursing undergraduate program.

Conclusion
The findings indicate that participants demonstrated competencies in managing and understanding both their own emotions and those of others, reflecting a high level of Emotional Intelligence. Nevertheless, there is a need to integrate individualized strategies aimed at promoting the development of Emotional Intelligence, thereby contributing to more comprehensive training of health professionals.