A UK-wide analysis of trait emotional intelligence in occupational therapists

Abstract

Background/aims Emotional intelligence enables recognition, understanding and management of emotions of self and others, supporting development of communication, relationship building and engagement skills. The application of emotional intelligence supports technical and non-technical competence, facilitating confidence, leadership and capability in the workplace. This study profiles trait emotional intelligence in a sample of UK occupational therapists and explores its relationships with a range of demographic and self-rated job satisfaction variables. Methods A UK-wide online survey of occupational therapists was carried out, which included the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (Short Form). A total of 808 participants responded. Three main analyses investigated differences between the occupational sample and wider population, the subgroups (gender and work role), as well as the relationships between emotional intelligence and demographic and job satisfaction variables. Results Analyses highlighted that occupational therapists scored higher than the population norms for global emotional intelligence and on each of the four subfactors. Within the study sample, a significant gender difference was observed for emotionality (lower among men); self-control was significantly correlated with age and years since qualification. Increased satisfaction in the job scores were consistently and strongly associated with emotional intelligence scores. Salary band was positively associated with emotional intelligence. Conclusions: The findings consider the potential impact of emotional intelligence levels on performance and leadership, vital in today's climate of emerging practice and less traditional roles for occupational therapists. This study has shown that occupational therapists scored higher than the population norms for Global emotional intelligence and on each of the four emotional intelligence subfactors. Emotional intelligence abilities are associated with perceived competence of the occupational therapist, with implications for job satisfaction and wellbeing. Understanding and using the emotions of self and others to inform thinking and behaviour undoubtedly influences practitioner effectiveness. Future research is required to extrapolate the influence of Trait Emotional Intelligence upon professional abilities, increasing understanding of emotional intelligence and its impact upon effective occupational therapy practice.