Introducing Medical Educators to Interpersonal Theory: Its Application to Emotional Intelligence

Interpersonal theory can be used to better understand the personal and social manifestations of individual difference variables in physician assistant (PA) students. Emotional intelligence (EI) is characterized by self and social awareness that facilitates effective communication. While EI has been examined in PA students, a theoretical framework for describing why and how EI has beneficial effects has not been articulated. Interpersonal theory can be used to generate hypotheses about EI and expected correlates.

One hundred nine PA students completed questionnaires assessing EI, social behavior (ie, dominance and affiliation), interpersonal efficacy, social support, loneliness, and negative social experiences. Regression analysis was used to determine interpersonal style and efficacy associated with EI. Correlation analyses were used to determine bivariate associations.

Emotional intelligence was associated with a friendly interpersonal style and confidence in one's ability to establish relationships. As expected, EI was positively correlated with social support and negatively correlated with loneliness. While in the expected direction, EI was not associated with fewer negative social experiences.

Emotional intelligence is a potentially valuable personal resource in the lives of PA students, and there may be implications related to EI and its impact on the medical encounter. Results are discussed in terms of curriculum in PA programs and how cultivating EI could be of benefit for students. Additional research is proposed to determine which aspects of EI facilitate an effective medical encounter.