Emotional intelligence and coping with stressful conditions: the case of Iranian midwives
Background This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between emotional quotient (EQ) and coping with stress among midwives in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving (n=300) midwives employed in the university hospitals of Ahvaz, Iran. Midwives with an associate or higher degree in midwifery and with at least three years of service were recruited. Results Task-oriented and avoidant areas had a positive significant correlation with intrapersonal, interpersonal, management, adaptability and general mood (p<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between emotion-oriented areas and all domains of EQ (p<001). EQ could predict more than 90% of midwives' ability for coping with stress. Conclusion The results of this study showed that there is a positive correlation of task-oriented and avoidant areas with all domains of EQ. There was also a significant negative correlation between emotion-oriented areas and all domains of EQ.