SELF-REPORTED EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE LEVELS BY DENTISTS IN THE NIGERIAN RESIDENCY PROGRAMME

Abstract

Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EI) aids in the management of emotions. It is presumed to be important in maintaining well-being and organizational structure in stressful environments like the dental residency program.
This study assessed self-reported emotional intelligence skills among consenting Nigerian dentists in the residency training program.
Materials and Methods: Eligible respondents were surveyed electronically to determine levels and patterns of EI as defined by Goleman, using the EI Inventory (www.ysmsolutions.co.uk). Variables were described as frequencies and percentages. Means were compared with t-test or ANOVA. Correlations were performed as appropriate. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤0.05.
Results: Ninety residents with a mean age of 35.6 ± 4.8 years and 62(68.9%) males and 28(31.1%) females participated in the study. There were 57(63.3%) junior residents and 33(36.7%) senior residents who had spent between 1 and 12 years in the program.
The mean overall EI score was 187.4±21.4. EI scores were highest for Self-Awareness (40.7±5.1) and lowest for Managing Emotions (33.3±5.7). Males outperformed females in social skills (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Participants had high EI scores in self-awareness and low scores for managing emotions. Overall, EI scores were good.