Emotional intelligence as a predictor of job satisfaction among midwives in Northern Iran:  a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Emotional Intelligence (EI) is an important skill for midwives. Our study aimed to understand EI as a Predictor of Job Satisfaction among Midwives. Methods This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 143 employed midwives in maternity wards of government and private hospitals, as well as healthcare centers in Iran. The data were collected using demographic-fertility Characteristics, emotional intelligence, and job satisfaction questionnaires. For the assessment of EI, the Bar-On's Emotional Intelligence questionnaire was used which consists of 90 items. For the assessment of job satisfaction, Herzberg's Job Satisfaction Questionnaire was used which consists of 72 items. The significance level of the tests was considered to be P<0.05. Results The results of the study showed that the average EI and job satisfaction of midwives were moderate (316.57±33.64 and 278.58±25.95 respectively). According to Pearson correlation coefficients, there was a significant positive correlation between total job satisfaction and total EI scores (r=0.356, p<0.001). According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis after adjusting for other variables, job satisfaction of midwives had a significant positive association with total EI and friendly relationship with supervisors (β=0.258, p=0.022 and β=0.267, p=0.046 respectively). Conclusion This study showed that high emotional intelligence enhances midwives' job satisfaction. So midwifery managers should create conditions that help enhance the Emotional Intelligence and satisfaction of midwives.

The Associations of Perceived Self-Efficacy with Emotional Intelligence, Personality, Resilience, and Attitudes Towards Death among Midwives

“…Furthermore, in the context of midwifery, the correlation of high self-efficacy with high emotional intelligence seems critical as it might contribute significantly to the effectiveness and satisfaction levels of midwives in their professional roles. An unpublished study focused on midwives in Northern Iran revealed that their job satisfaction and emotional intelligence were moderate on average [ 51 ], and it also highlighted that higher levels of emotional intelligence were associated with increased job satisfaction among midwives. This correlation included improved inter- and intrapersonal skills and adaptability, suggesting that as midwives’ abilities to understand and manage their own emotions and adapt to changing circumstances improve, their satisfaction with their job also increases.…”