Emotional intelligence as a protective factor against mental health problems of health workers

Abstract

Emotional intelligence is regarded as a protective factor among many different groups in the face of adversities, among these has been the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, conducted in 2021 in Kosovo, aims to explore the protective role of emotional intelligence against mental health problems, at the workplace among health and nonhealth workers, and those not working at all. In total, 408 active students in their third year of studying at the AAB College in Prishtina, Kosova were participants of this study. The population consisted of health workers, non-health workers and unemployed individuals. The Adult Self-Report was used to assess internalization and externalization problems. It was found that those working in the health sector have reported statistically higher means (mean=5.14, SD=0.80) of emotional intelligence compared to non-health workers and those not working at all (mean=4.38, SD=0.69). In addition, in both subscales, internalizing and externalizing problems, health workers have shown statistically significant lower means differences compared to non-health workers and those not working at all [F(2; 405)=15.17, p<0.001]. A direct negative association has been found between scores of emotional intelligences and internalizing and externalizing problems. Health workers experience the highest level of job stress and show highest scores in emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence serves as a protective factor against psychological problems including internalizing and externalizing.