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. 2020 Aug;84(8):864-870.
doi: 10.1002/jdd.12172. Epub 2020 May 2.

Relationship between emotional intelligence, stress, and burnout among dental hygiene students

Brian B Partido  1 , Johanna Owen  1
Affiliations

Relationship between emotional intelligence, stress, and burnout among dental hygiene students

Brian B Partido et al. J Dent Educ. 2020 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: Emotional intelligence (EI) is the recognition and management of emotions within oneself and others. Limited evidence exists that determine whether EI is related to stress and burnout.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine whether relationships exist between EI, stress, and burnout levels among undergraduate dental hygiene students.

Methods: This study used a quantitative cross-sectional research design. The study instrument consisted of 3 parts: (1) The Emotional Quotient Self-Assessment Checklist consisted of 30-questions in 6 domains and measured EI; (2) The Modified Dental Environment Stress Questionnaire consisted of 39 questions in 5 domains and measured stress; and (3) The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Services Survey consisted of 22 questions in 3 domains and measured burnout.

Results: The responses from 57 participants were used (response rate = 93.3%). A moderate negative correlation was found between self-control and personal stress and a moderate negative correlation was found between empathy and emotional evaluation. Moderate positive correlations were found between self-awareness, empathy, motivation, self-competence, self-confidence, and total EI scores and personal accomplishment. Multiple linear regression analysis found self-control was a significant predictor of personal stress (R2 = .023, P = .023); empathy and self-competence were significant predictors of clinical stress (R2 = .085, P = .034); empathy and self-awareness were significant predictors of emotional exhaustion (R2 = .071, P = 0.006); and empathy was a predictor of personal accomplishment (R2 = .150, P = 0.002).

Conclusion: Subcomponents of EI were found to be significant predictors of stress and burnout levels. Future research is needed to improve EI levels to tolerate stress and minimize burnout levels.

Keywords: Emotional intelligence; burnout; stress; undergraduate dental hygiene students.

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References

REFERENCES

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