Emotional Intelligence and Depression Among Hospital Nurses of Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) and depression are important issues that can affect the quality of nurse's work. Emotional intelligence is also an indicator of mental and physical health condition. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate emotional intelligence and depression of hospital nurses working at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 113 hospital nurses of TUMS at different wards were enrolled. They filled the Persian version of the baron emotional quotient inventory (EQ-i) and beck depression inventory (BDI). Results: Mean age of participants was 25 years and 58% were male. Mean BDI and EI scores except independence and responsibility were not significantly different between male and female cases. Mean EI and its subscales were similar in different wards except emotional self-awareness. The correlation coefficient between BDI and total EI was r = 0.2 and P = 0.008, and the correlation coefficient between age and total EI was r = -0.2, P = 0.02. Conclusions: According to the results, depression evaluation and emotional intelligence improvement should be considered in Iranian nurses, who work at university associated hospitals.