The Mediating Effect of Self-Efficacy in the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Clinical Performance among Nursing Students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the mediating effect of self-efficacy in the relationship between emotional intelligence and clinical performance in nursing students. Methods: Data were collected through structured questionnaires between March 1 and March 25, 2016. Study participants were 223 fourth year nursing students in B and K metropolitan city. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe" test, Pearson"s correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression with SPSS WIN v 18.0. Results: The mean scores of emotional intelligence was 3.85±0.43, self-efficacy was 3.25±0.40, and clinical performance was 3.63±0.51. There were significant positive correlations between emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and clinical performance. There were partial mediating effect of self-efficacy in the relationship between emotional intelligence and clinical performance. Conclusion: In order to enhance nursing students" clinical performance, strategies for intervention development such as stimulating emotional intelligence and motivation by self-efficacy are necessary.