The correlation of emotional intelligence and demographic characteristics with work performance among Palestinian...

Emergency nurses work in high-pressure and emotionally demanding environments. High emotional intelligence is a crucial skill that can influence emergency nurses' work performance. However, few studies have examined the correlations between emotional intelligence and demographic variables with emergency nurses' work performance, especially in conflict zones such as Palestine. This study aimed to examine the levels of emotional intelligence and work performance, their correlations, and the effects of select demographic variables among a sample of 223 emergency nurses working in high-patient-load governmental hospitals in Palestine.

A cross-sectional, quantitative correlational design was used. Data were collected using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) and the Employee Job Performance (EJP) Scale between March and April 2025. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and multiple linear regression.

The findings revealed high levels of emotional intelligence (M = 151.8 ± 1.9 out of 165) and work performance (M = 4.3 ± 0.4 out of 5). There were significant moderate correlations between work performance and age (r = 0.421, p < 0.001), work experience (r = 0.337, p < 0.001), and emotional intelligence (r = 0.597, p < 0.001). Emotional intelligence and age were positive predictors of work performance.

The findings highlight the central role of emotional intelligence in enhancing care provision among emergency nurses. Interventions that strengthen the emotional intelligence of emergency nurses should be adopted and promoted, especially in conflict zones. Correlating demographic variables can inform the design and delivery of such interventions.