Investigating the Impact of Virtual Training of Emotional Intelligence on Perceived Stress and Communication Skills of Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction: Communication skills and stress affect the quality of nursing care. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic and limitations in face-to-face training, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of virtual training of emotional intelligence components on perceived stress and communication skills among nursing students. Methods: This Experimental study was conducted on 56 nursing students who entered the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n=28) and an intervention group (n=28) with permuted block randomization. The intervention group received emotional intelligence components training using Skype software. Data were collected through a Demographic questionnaire, Cohen’s Perceived Stress questionnaire, and Queendom’s Communication Skills questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (Version 22). Results: The results revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the mean scores of perceived stress and communication skills before the intervention (P>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the mean scores of perceived stress and communication skills (P<0.05) in both groups one month after the intervention. Conclusion: The study indicated that the virtual training of emotional intelligence components reduced the nursing students’ perceived stress and increased their communication skills. These results highlight the importance of emotional intelligence training for nursing students.

Keywords

• emotional intelligence
• perceived stress scale
• communication
• virtual training
• nurses
• students