Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to assess global trait emotional intelligence (EI) levels among health professions students at Jouf University (JU) and explore potential differences based on demographic and academic factors. The study also examined the impact of gender, age, academic year, college affiliation, and prior leadership or work experience on EI levels.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 health professions students at JU using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF). The questionnaire assessed four dimensions of emotional intelligence (EI): well-being, self-control, emotionality, and sociability.
Results:
The mean global trait EI score was 4.57 (SD = 0.83), with well-being being the highest-rated dimension (mean = 5.13, SD = 1.22) and self-control the lowest (mean = 4.29, SD = 1.04). Females scored slightly higher in emotionality (p-value=0.031) compared to males. Older students (21–25 years and >25 years) showed higher EI and well-being scores (p-value=0.014 and p-value=0.004, respectively). Fifth-year students had higher emotionality scores (p-value=0.039). No significant differences were found based on college affiliation or prior leadership/work experience. Regression analysis revealed no significant predictors of EI dimensions.
Conclusion:
The study highlighted that while well-being was a strong aspect of EI among health professions students, self-control remains a challenge. Emotional intelligence tends to improve with age and academic progression, particularly in the area of emotionality. These findings suggested the need for targeted interventions to enhance EI, particularly in self-control, to better prepare students for the emotional demands of healthcare professions.

Key words: Emotional intelligence, health professions students, TEIQue-SF, well-being, self-control