Emotional intelligence training in health students: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Psychology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for health professionals.
• Existing EI programs often lack practical, activity-based components.
• The tripartite model provides a framework for comprehensive EI development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel EI program for health training students.
• The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical physical activities.
• To assess improvements in various EI facets and overall EI.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 68 health training students.
• An intervention group (n=34) received 18 hours of EI training (theory + physical activity).
• A control group (n=34) received unrelated training; EI was measured pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significant improvements in emotion expression, identification, stress/emotional management, sociability, and overall EI.
• No significant changes were observed in the control group.
• Physical activity integration enhanced EI outcomes.

Conclusions:

• EI can be effectively improved through integrated physical activity programs.
• This EI program shows potential for inclusion in health training curricula.
• Findings support the use of practical, activity-based learning for EI development.