Correlation Between Emotional Intelligence and Readiness for Self-Directed Learning in Medical Undergraduate Students

The success of self-directed learning depends mainly on the readiness of students to adapt it to their learning domain. Medical students must meet certain criteria to become self-directed learners, which are also significant components of emotional intelligence (EI). Clarification is required on whether the students are ready for self-directed learning according to their level of EI as soon as they enter the medical institute.

The survey was conducted on first-year MBBS students, between 18 and 21 years of age. Demographic data of the participants was collected. EI was assessed by using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). Fisher's 40-item self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) scale was used to assess the readiness for self-directed learning. Pearson's correlation and regression analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between the two.

Approximately 71% of students had average EI, whereas only 5% had high EI. However, 63% of students were found to have low SDLR, while just 37% of participants had high SDLR. EI and SDLR both were found to be higher in males. Pearson's correlation "r" between the two parameters shows a strong positive correlation with statistical significance.

Certain training modules need to be incorporated into the medical education program to improve the EI of medical undergraduate students. Such a module might help in improving the readiness for self-directed learning and prepare the medical undergraduates as active lifelong learners, which is the prime goal for an Indian Medical Graduate according to the new Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum.