Emotional Control in Surgical and Intensive Care Nursing: Sociodemographic Differences

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether there is a difference in the impact of emotion on memory, behaviour, thinking and mood with regard to age, gender, level of education and length of service. Methods: Research included 105 nurses. It was conducted anonymously by a standardized Emotional Regulation and Control Questionnaire (ERIK). Results: Average rating on the scale was somewhat lower for men, respondents under 30 years of age and respondents with a university degree. Average rating on the emotional regulation and control scale were significantly higher for respondents with 31 and more years of service (Kruskal-Wallis test, p=0.046). Regarding male respondents, there is a significant correlation of age (Spearman's correlation coefficient, =0.429, p=0.020) and length of service (Spearman's correlation coefficient, =0.412, p=0.026) with their overall score on the scale. Regarding female correspondents, there is no significant correlation between age and their overall score on the emotional regulation and control scale and sub-scales. Considering the age of respondents, results indicate that the decrease in the ability to control emotional reactions is proportional to the increase in age, but not to a significant degree. Regarding elderly respondents, the value of emotional regulation and control is higher in comparison to younger respondents (Spearman's correlation coefficient, =0.440, p=0.017). Conclusion: Increase in length of service decreases the ability to control emotional reactions and there are no significant differences in emotional control with regard to gender, age and educational background.

Keywords

• emotional intelligence
• self-control
• nurses
• thinking