Association between nurses' moral intelligence and their caring behaviors

Background: Nurses' caring behaviors (CBs) are affected by several factors, including their moral intelligence (MI). However, nurses' MI and its association with their CBs have not been well studied, and the published studies have also found conflicting results. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between nurses' MI and their CBs. Methods: A descriptive, correlational study was conducted on nurses and patients in Urmia, Iran, in 2020. Using random sampling, 100 nurses and 300 patients were recruited for the study. Demographic characteristic form, the Lennick and Kiel Moral Competency Index, and the CB Inventory were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson's correlation test were used to analyze the data. Results: A direct correlation was found between the total scores of MI and CB (r = 0.54, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the subscales of MI were correlated with the most subscales of CB, including ensuring human respect, respect for others, and attentiveness to the other's experience (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Authorities should establish in-service training programs to strengthen the nurses' MI and CBs.