Emotional intelligence correlated with lower stress and depression in veterinary medicine students in the Midwestern United States.

OBJECTIVE

To extend the literature on the relationship between emotional intelligence and self-reported levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among veterinary medicine students across universities in the Midwestern US.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was distributed via email to individuals enrolled in veterinary medicine programs in the Midwestern US. Participants completed a 57-item survey, which included demographic information as well as targeted psychological variables of stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional intelligence. The survey was open for a 1-month collection period and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and independent-samples t tests.

RESULTS

Key findings from 184 completed surveys included self-reports of moderate to high levels of stress (89.1%), anxiety (58%), and depression (29.8%) in veterinary medicine students. Additionally, negative relationships were found between reported levels of stress and emotional intelligence (r [182] = -0.362; P < .01) as well as screening positive for depression and emotional intelligence levels (r [182] = -0.349; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the hypothesis that emotional intelligence is negatively correlated with stress and depression among veterinary medicine students. Further research into this correlation is warranted as well as exploration of a possible causal relationship between emotional intelligence and reduced self-reports of stress and depression.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering these findings, veterinary medicine programs may consider using emotional intelligence as a means to identify at-risk students and get them needed support and as a guide to including mental health curriculum into their curriculum.