EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE OF NURSES AS A FACTOR IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE.

Abstract

In the context of long-term care (LTC) for older adults and patients with chronic conditions, nurses play a pivotal role not only in maintaining physical health but also in supporting the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of their patients. The high prevalence of chronic diseases, progressive loss of functionality, and social isolation among the elderly highlight the growing demand for emotionally competent care. This study explores the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in enhancing the quality of life (QoL) of older adults receiving long-term nursing care and investigates whether the development of EI among nurses contributes to improved care outcomes. The aim of this research is to assess the relationship between nurses’ emotional intelligence and the well-being indicators of patients receiving long-term care. The study addresses the problem of underutilization of EI-based approaches in gerontological nursing, despite mounting evidence of their effectiveness in reducing psychological distress and increasing patient satisfaction. The central research questions include: 1. What is the level of EI among nurses providing care for older adults or individuals with chronic diseases in long-term care settings? 2. How is nurses’ EI associated with patients’ quality of life, emotional support, and satisfaction with care? 3. What evidence-based strategies can effectively foster the development of EI in practicing nurses? A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS)[Wong & Law, 2002] to assess the EI levels of 192 nurses. Patients’ quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with both nurses and patients to qualitatively examine the emotional dimensions of care. Statistical analysis included correlational and regression techniques to explore the relationship between nurses’ EI and patients’ QoL outcomes. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) between nurses’ EI levels and patients’ reported quality of life. Qualitative data further confirmed that nurses with higher EI were more effective in stress management, conflict resolution, and empathetic communication. Based on the results, the study concludes that emotional intelligence is a critical determinant of effective long-term care and should be systematically integrated into postgraduate nursing education. This research contributes to the growing body of literature supporting the importance of affective competencies in professional nursing practice. In light of the global aging population and the increasing complexity of care for older adults, the findings have implications for workforce development, nursing education, and healthcare policy.