Mediating Effect of Stress on Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Burnout among Nursing College Students

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the effect of stress on the relations between emotional intelligence and burnout among nursing college students. Methods: The study is a cross-sectional survey and the participants were 363 students attending a nursing college located in Seoul. Data were collected by convenience sampling using self-reported questionnaires that consisted of general characteristics, emotional intelligence, perceived stress and burnout. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple regression. Results: Findings of the multiple regression were as follows. First, emotional intelligence had a significant negative-effect on stress. Second, emotional intelligence had a significant negative-effect on burnout. Third, stress had a significant positive-effect on burnout and had a mediating effect on the relationship between emotional intelligence and burnout. Conclusion: Results of the study suggest that as a way to reduce nursing college students' stress and burnout, programs which help improve nursing college students' emotional intelligence should be developed and implemented.