An Exploratory Study to Assess Emotional Intelligence and Performance of Students of Selected Nursing Institute, Ludhiana, Punjab

An exploratory study with non- experimental research design was conducted to assess emotional intelligence and performance of nursing students. It was assumed that emotional intelligence is related to performance. Conceptual framework of the present study was based on modified emotional - social intelligence model by Reuven Bar- On, 1997. The area selected for the study was College of Nursing, CMC and H, Ludhiana, Punjab. Sample of 150 nursing students were selected using random sampling technique (lottery method without replacement). Self- structured 5- point likert Emotional intelligence scale was used to measure five areas of emotional intelligence - self -awareness, self- regulation, self- motivation, empathy and social skill. Performance was calculated based on the aggregate of previous percentage of marks obtained and categorizing it according to criteria as laid down by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot and by State Nursing Council (Punjab Nurses Registration Council) in its ordinances.

The major findings of the study revealed that maximum students (62%) were in the age group of 18 - 20 years, 82% were female, and most of them 75.33% were Christian. Maximum 80 % were from nuclear family and 29.33% falls in range of 65 - 69 in academic achievement. There was weak negative correlation (-0.08) and inverse relationship between emotional intelligence and performance as determined by Karl Pearson's coefficient of correlation analysis. As per component of EI, there was high positive correlation between self- regulation and excellent performance and negative correlation between self- awareness and below average performance.

Therefore, it was revealed that EI had some impact on performance. Only religion and academic achievement had impact on performance of nursing students and found statistically significant at 0.05 level. Findings reveal that there is need to strengthen emotional intelligence of students.