The relationship between spiritual intelligence and aggression in medical science students in the southeast of Iran

Abstract

Abstract Background Due to their presence in clinical educational settings when dealing with patients, medical science students are more affected by mental disorders than other students. Some experts believe that spiritual intelligence enhances people adaptability and compatibility and creates calm in humans, especially in stressful situations. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and aggression among students of medical sciences in the southeast of Iran. Methods This analytical-descriptive study was conducted among bachelor students of Medical Sciences in the Southeast of Iran and examples of the research were selected from the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Public Health, Paramedical and Management by a stratified random sampling method. To examine samples questionnaires were used which examined students’ demographic information, and included King’s 24-item Questionnaire of Spiritual Intelligence and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). After completing the questionnaires, data were analyzed using statistical analysis software (SPSS version18) with a significance level (p < 0.05). Results The results showed that there is a significant negative correlation between spiritual intelligence and aggression of students (r = −0/19, p = 0/001). Results also showed that Students of Medical Sciences in the Southeast of Iran with a spiritual intelligence average score of 52.28 have an average spiritual intelligence and those with an aggression average score of 78.57 have higher aggression than average. Conclusion The results showed that with increasing spiritual intelligence, aggression decreases. The results can be used by policymakers and managers to take steps to reduce aggressive behaviors and mental disorders and for the promotion of spiritual intelligence of students of medical sciences.