Emotional intelligence and coping strategies among intensive care unit nurses

Abstract

Background: Stress is an integral part of daily work for nurses, especially those who work in intensive care units (ICUs). However, chronic stress can affect nurses' mental and physical well-being, increasing their risk of burnout and decreasing the quality of care. A higher emotional intelligence (EI) level may be correlated with greater use of effective coping strategies, leading to a reduction of the adverse effects of stress. Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between EI and coping strategies among adult ICU nurses in Poland. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Current adult ICU nurses in nine Polish hospitals were invited to participate. The survey instruments used were: the Polish version of the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, the Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress (Brief-COPE), and a self-constructed questionnaire.Results: 114/543 (21%) nurses completed the survey. ICU nurses showed an average level of EI (70.2%). The main stress coping strategies were active coping and planning, the rarest being substance use, behavioural disengagement, and denial. For nurses with a higher EI level, the most frequently used strategies included positive reframing (R = 0.43; p < .001), active coping (R = 0.38; p < .001), planning (R = 0.37; p < .001) and religion (R = 0.25; p = .006). Nurses were less likely to utilize strategies of behavioural disengagement (R = -0.32; p = .001) and self-blame (R = -0.40; p < .001).Conclusions: EI may have an impact on coping strategies, as a higher EI level was correlated with the greater use of effective coping strategies in ICU nurses.Relevance to Clinical Practice: Training in coping with stress and increasing EI may have a positive impact on reducing the risk of burnout in nurses and thus improving the quality of care delivered.

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“…5,10 Understanding the individual characteristics that support positive coping strategies and wellbeing in high pressure ICU environments is important. Contributing to this area of research is Cicho n et al's 11 study, which found that high emotional intelligence was associated with positive coping strategies. While we recognize the importance of understanding the intrinsic features within an individual that serve as protective factors, it is imperative to also focus on organizational Please note that the views expressed in this critical commentary are those of the authors and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Nursing in Critical Care editorial board, the British Association of Critical Care Nurses or Wiley.…”