Emotional intelligence and its correlation to performance as a resident: a preliminary study

Study Objective: To test the hypothesis that emotional intelligence, as measured by the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-I) 125 (Multi Health Systems, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) personal inventory, would correlate with resident performance. Design: Prospective survey. Setting: University-affiliated, multiinstitutional anesthesiology residency program. Participants: Current clinical anesthesiology years one to three (PGY 2-4) anesthesiology residents enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh Anesthesiology Residency Program. Measurements: Participants confidentially completed the Bar-On EQ-I 125 survey. Results of the individual EQ-I 125 and daily evaluations by the faculty of the residency program were compiled and analyzed. Main Results: There was no positive correlation between any facet of emotional intelligence and resident performance. There was statistically significant negative correlation (-0.40; P < 0.05) between assertiveness and the "American Board of Anesthesiology essential attributes" component of the resident evaluation. Conclusions: Emotional intelligence, as measured by the Bar-On EQ-I personal inventory, does not strongly correlate to resident performance as defined at the University of Pittsburgh. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.