Psychological well-being and emotional intelligence in undergraduate nursing students as predictors of academic success

Abstract

Background

Academic performance is influenced by a complex interplay of multiple factors whose relationships often do not follow straightforward patterns. Despite extensive research, understanding of these dynamics remains inconclusive. In particular, several studies highlight that higher emotional intelligence is associated with better academic outcomes and that people with elevated levels of psychological well-being also tend to achieve higher grades.

Objective

This study examines the associations between emotional intelligence, psychological well-being and academic performance among undergraduate nursing students. Specifically, it seeks to deepen our understanding of how emotional intelligence affects academic achievement, with psychological well-being potentially serving as a mediator.

Design

A cross-sectional correlational design was employed.

Settings

The study involved a convenience sample of undergraduate nursing students from various degree programmes affiliated with the primary author.

Participants

394 undergraduate nursing students participated in the study, 249 identified as female and 145 as male.

Methods

Participants completed a quantitative survey during class hours, providing data on demographics, academic average scores and self-report measures of perceived emotional intelligence and psychological well-being. Data were evaluated using Pearson's correlations and serial multiple mediation analyses.

Results

The findings revealed significant positive relationships between emotional intelligence, psychological well-being and academic performance. Serial mediation assessments indicated that dimensions of emotional intelligence influence academic performance both directly and indirectly through psychological well-being. Specifically, flourishing partially mediated the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance, directly influencing academic outcomes.

Conclusions

This study underscores the critical role of emotional management skills in academic performance, with psychological well-being acting as a partial mediator in this relationship. Consequently, undergraduate nursing students with enhanced emotional management abilities and higher levels of psychological well-being are likely to achieve better academic outcomes.