Emotional Intelligence: An Overlooked Element of Dental Education

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to a collection of abilities connected to self-control, self-motivation and the capacity to identify emotions. In order to treat patients with a special, tailored approach, the dentist must also be skilled in comprehending the impact of the patient's behavior.

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the level of EI in dental students and to relate the domains of emotional intelligence with gender discrimination.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a e-based questionnaire at a dental teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 110 students participated in the study by answering 30 questions of trait emotional intelligence questionnaire (TEIQUE-SF). The data was evaluated using SPSS version 26 from 93 completely filled questionnaires.

Results: On the basis of the mean and standard deviation of data, the majority of responses appeared to fall within the range of neutral or agree on Likert scale. (Linkert’s scale: strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree strongly agree). The coefficient alpha (α) values for EI factors of overall data set range from small (0.46) to large (0.72), with no gender related differences. The Spearman's correlation test indicated statistically significant results between the EI factor traits except emotionality and sociability.

Conclusion: It is important for dental students and faculty to understand the concept of EI and emphasize the likelihood of this to be included in the curriculum and clinical training.

Keywords: Behaviour, Dental Students, Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence