Investigating Emotional Intelligence: A Cross-Sectional Study of Pune’s Postgraduate Medical Scholars

Abstract

Introduction Emotional intelligence (EI), which encompasses the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions, is crucial for effective human interaction. In healthcare, especially in medicine, compassion and empathy are prioritized qualities associated with enhanced patient outcomes, increased patient compliance, and overall improved healthcare experiences. This study focused on postgraduate medical students to assess their EI levels and identify influencing factors. Methods This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the EI of postgraduate students at a medical college in Pune. Participants, who willingly participated, engaged in face-to-face interviews where they completed a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic information, workload, stress, and Schutte's Emotional Intelligence Test. Data analysis, conducted using MedCalc and Epi Info, presented qualitative variables as frequencies and quantitative data as mean (SD) or median (IQR). Statistical tests were used to identify the associations. Results Involving 139 postgraduates, our study found a mean EI score of 123.48 (12.30). The majority, 97(69.78%), displayed normal scores, 23 (16.55%) scored low, and 19 (13.67%) scored high. Males had higher EI scores. EI increased slightly from the first year to the final year. No significant associations were found with marital status or medical specialty; however, those facing recent emotional trauma exhibited higher levels. Conclusion EI exhibited no significant associations with age, marital status, residential status, year of study, duty hours, stress, or specialty. However, EI demonstrated significant association with male gender and those who faced emotional trauma.