Exploring the trait emotional intelligence profiles of medical residents in Oman
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 7 July 2023
Issue publication date: 5 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Emotional intelligence (EI) can improve patient–doctor relationships, foster empathy, develop teamwork in the workplace, and boost communication skills. This study aims to determine whether a cohort of residents has different profiles to their demographic and EI.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017–2018 (n = 440). The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire was used to measure EI. Cluster analysis was used to identify different profile groups.
Findings
Cluster analysis identified three clusters with different profiles. The residents in cluster A (n = 146, 33.2%) were older, more males, studying in their final year, and perceived lower EI. Cluster B (n = 184, 41.8%) were predominantly young females, more single, studying in year one, and perceived moderate EI. Cluster C (n = 110, 25.0%) were predominantly married females studying their year 1 in surgical and perceived higher EI.
Research limitations/implications
Study limitations include respondent honesty, cross-sectional design, and lack of a comparison site. Including EI education can improve emotional regulation, well-being, and sociability and should be assessed as part of residents' development.
Practical implications
Medical residents differ in emotional profiles, with higher EI improving coping and problem-solving skills. EI training should be integrated into the medical curriculum, particularly given the high-stress levels and unique stressors of hospital practicums.
Originality/value
The study suggested that three groups of residents exist, and they differ in demographic, EI, and subscale levels. This study recommended that residents be taught EI-related concepts to help them develop their EI through training on emotionality, self-control, well-being, and sociability.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank all the participants who contributed to our work.
Dr Salim Al-Huseini would like to acknowledge that, since the submission of this paper, he has changed affiliation and is now employed by Department of Psychiatry, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman.
Ethical consideration: Ethical approval was obtained by the OMSB Research Ethics Committee (MREC#1582).
Authors' contributions: Study design: SAH, SAA, MAA; Data Collection: SAH, NAB; Data analysis: MFC, SAH; Manuscript preparation and review: MFC, SAH, SAA, MAA, NAB, HAS.
Funding: No grant was received to support this study.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Citation
Chan, M.F., Al-Huseini, S., Al-Alawi, M., Al Sinawi, H., Al Balushi, N. and Al-Adawi, S. (2024), "Exploring the trait emotional intelligence profiles of medical residents in Oman", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 662-674. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-03-2023-0105
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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