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Emotional intelligence as a moderator in the stress–burnout relationship: a questionnaire study on nurses

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  • Gina Görgens‐Ekermans
  • Tamari Brand

Abstract

Aims and objectives. To investigate inter‐relationships between emotional intelligence (EI), work stress and burnout in a group of nurses in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The moderating effect of EI in the stress–burnout relationship and group differences (nurses working in different wards) in burnout were also investigated. Background. Stress and subsequent burnout commonly threaten the occupational health and well‐being of nurses in South Africa and elsewhere. Developing EI in nurses may increase individual stress resistance and combat burnout. Design. A cross‐sectional research design with anonymous questionnaires was conducted. Self‐report data were used. Methods. Survey data were collected from 122 nurses working in different wards at four hospitals from a private hospital group. The Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence Test, Sources of Work Stress Inventory and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used to measure EI, stress and burnout, respectively. Results. Consistent inverse relationships between emotional control and management as dimensions of EI, and stress and burnout emerged. A differential effect of high vs. low EI on the stress–burnout relationship was evident. Workload and the work/family interface emerged as significant predictors of burnout. Respondents working in maternity, paediatric and ER wards reported more feelings of personal accomplishment than those working in general wards. Conclusions. Higher EI is significantly related with lower stress and burnout in a sample of South African nurses. The moderator effect of EI in the stress–burnout relationship suggests that enhanced EI may help diminish burnout development when chronic stress is experienced. Relevance to clinical practice. EI developmental interventions, if introduced in nursing curricula, may increase emotional coping resources and enhanced social skills, which may benefit the long‐term occupational health of nurses. This may be relevant in developing countries, where environmental stressors related to the organisational context (budget constraints) and wider social factors (shortage of qualified nurses) are difficult to address.

Suggested Citation

  • Gina Görgens‐Ekermans & Tamari Brand, 2012. "Emotional intelligence as a moderator in the stress–burnout relationship: a questionnaire study on nurses," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(15‐16), pages 2275-2285, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:21:y:2012:i:15-16:p:2275-2285
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04171.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Amar Kumar Mishra & Simarjeet Singh & Rajesh Kumar Upadhyay, 2023. "Organization citizenship behaviour among indian nurses during SARS-COV-2: A direct effect moderation model," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(1), pages 541-559, February.
    2. Razan Ibrahim Awwad & Hasan Yousef Aljuhmani & Sameer Hamdan, 2022. "Examining the Relationships Between Frontline Bank Employees’ Job Demands and Job Satisfaction: A Mediated Moderation Model," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, February.
    3. Yun Zhu & Congcong Liu & Bingmei Guo & Lin Zhao & Fenglan Lou, 2015. "The impact of emotional intelligence on work engagement of registered nurses: the mediating role of organisational justice," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(15-16), pages 2115-2124, August.
    4. Maria H Kim & Alick C Mazenga & Xiaoying Yu & Katie Simon & Phoebe Nyasulu & Peter N Kazembe & Thokozani Kalua & Elaine Abrams & Saeed Ahmed, 2019. "Factors associated with burnout amongst healthcare workers providing HIV care in Malawi," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(9), pages 1-14, September.
    5. Arjun Chakravorty & Pankaj Singh, 2020. "Work/family interference and burnout among primary school teachers: the moderating role of emotional intelligence," DECISION: Official Journal of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Springer;Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, vol. 47(3), pages 251-264, September.
    6. Sumit Kumar Debnath & Puja Khatri, 2023. "Study of mediating effect of interpersonal relationship and emotional coping ability in the relationship between emotional intelligence and wellness of nursing professionals," International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management, Springer;The Society for Reliability, Engineering Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM),India, and Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden, vol. 14(4), pages 1340-1353, August.
    7. Shi‐Hong Zhao & Yu Shi & Zhi‐Nan Sun & Feng‐Zhe Xie & Jing‐Hui Wang & Shu‐E Zhang & Tian‐Yu Gou & Xuan‐Ye Han & Tao Sun & Li‐Hua Fan, 2018. "Impact of workplace violence against nurses’ thriving at work, job satisfaction and turnover intention: A cross‐sectional study," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(13-14), pages 2620-2632, July.

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