Relationship between occupational stress, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy among faculty members in faculty of nursing Zagazig University, Egypt

Abstract

Background/Aim: Different studies, in international context, have linked occupational stress to emotional intelligence or self-efficacy of faculty members. However, investigating the relationship between these three constructs in this context was limited. So, the researchers investigated the relationship between occupational stress, emotional intelligence and self-efficacy among faculty members.

Method: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University using a descriptive correlational design. A convenience sample of 91 faculty members working in Faculty of Nursing Zagazig University during the academic year 2011-2012 were recruited for the study. Four tools were used for data collection: Questionnaire about demographic data, Emotional Intelligence Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Occupational Stress Scale.

Results: The study findings indicate that the majority of faculty members experience a high level of occupational stress, while they have a low level of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy. The occupational stress was negatively related with faculty members’ emotional intelligence and self-efficacy.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings of current study confirm that occupational stress has negative relationships with the faculty members’ emotional intelligence and self-efficacy. Therefore, we suggest that the Faculty of Nursing should keep the stress level of their faculty members lower and help them to stay healthier by holding training courses on emotional intelligence improving their social skills and increase their efficiency at work. Moreover, the perceived self-efficacy can be improved among the faculty members  through training programmes and courses this would help the faculty members enhance their stress bearing capacity and also improve their productivity.