Pharmacists levels of emotionality and career success correlates: an exploratory study

The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the relationships between Emotional Thinking Scale (ETS) scores and demographic variables such as income, years worked as a pharmacist, and hours worked per week and (2) determine the distribution of ETS scores among this sample of pharmacists. These objectives are significant to explore because they may provide important data regarding effective and ineffective pharmacist work-related behaviors that affect career and life success.

A convenience sample of practicing pharmacists was selected. Participants completed the 8-item ETS and a demographic survey. The ETS predicts how an individual's thoughts might influence his or her emotions and behaviors. Researchers analyzed participant's ETS scores with his or her demographic responses. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software.

One hundred twenty-five pharmacists completed the survey. Twenty-one percent of the sample scored between slightly high and very extremely high on the ETS. "often being incapacitated by strong feelings" correlated negatively with annual income r = -.309 (P = .008); "relying on feelings to deal with complex situations" correlated negatively with annual income r = -.253 (P = .026), with the "number of years practicing pharmacy" r = -.317 (P = .007), and "number of hours worked each week" r = -.317 (P = .007); and "focusing on details thus losing the big picture" was correlated negatively with annual income r = .215 (P = .05). These findings are consistent with the previous ETS research.

The variables of interest in this study were negatively but significantly related. Emotional thinking scores decreased with pharmacy practice experience and may be counterproductive for career goals. Entry-level pharmacy education and continuing education programs may help develop self-awareness to this issue.