Relationship between emotional intelligence and professionalism among second-year dental students

Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to a person's ability to evaluate and manage their personal emotions and the ability to respond appropriately to the emotions of others. Limited evidence exists regarding whether EI is related to professionalism.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate for relationships between EI and professionalism among second-year dental students.

Using a quantitative cross-sectional research design, the study instrument consisted of 3 parts: (1) The Emotional Quotient Self-Assessment Checklist (EQSAC), including 30 questions comprising 6 domains that measured EI; (2) The Patient Management and Professionalism Scale (PMPS), including 10 questions comprising 5 domains that measured professionalism; and (3) Demographic questions.

The response rate was 99.2% (n = 117) of second-year dental students. Most EI and professionalism scores were in the moderate range. Female participants had higher domain scores for agreeableness and conscientiousness compared with male participants. Male participants had higher domain scores for emotional stability than female participants. The EI domains were found to be significant predictors of total and domain professionalism levels.

Understanding methods to improve EI levels may assist dental students in their development of professionalism.