A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON ASSOCIATION OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE & STRESS LEVELS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS OF TELANGANA STATE

Abstract

Objective: The present study was done to assess if there is any association between Emotional intelligence (EI) & stress among medical students.

Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, information was gathered through a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. It consisted of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10 Questionnaire) & Schutte self-report EI test (SSEIT) to collect the information about stress levels and emotional intelligence respectively. Statistical test Chi-square was used and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. SPSS Version 23 was used for data analysis.

Result: A total of 60 participants were assessed for Stress and EI. 11 (18.33%) students were found to be under severe stress. Majority (n=39, 65 %) of the students had high EI. Gender, type of stay (hostellers/day scholars) and stress levels were not found to be statistically significant with EI.

Conclusion: Non -significant association between stress levels and EI was found hence other factors leading to stress in medical students should be investigated and studied.

Keywords: Emotional intelligence, Medical students, Stress.