Emotional intelligence and academic performance: A retrospective study of ten dental classes

Purpose/objectives: Emotional intelligence (EI) supports clinical and social competencies of a practicing dentist. The Bar-On EI model consists of inter-related competencies in five domains: Self-Perception, Self-Expression, Interpersonal, Decision making, and Stress management. This study investigated the relationship between dental students' EI measured by Emotional Quotient Inventory 2.0 (EQ-i 2.0) and academic and clinical performance at three junctures: Initial, Mid, and Grad.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study measured correlations between EQ-i 2.0 and performance measures such as Entering GPA and DAT scores, GPAs, preclinical (PreClinMean) and clinical grades (ClinMean), and program learning outcomes (PLOs). Ten cohorts completed three EQ assessments: Initial Attempt 1 (N = 677), Mid Attempt 2 (N = 515), and Grad Attempt 3 (N = 472). Pearson correlations (p ≤ 0.05) were completed for Attempt 1 versus Entering GPA, DAT, Year 1 GPA; Attempt 2 vs. Year 2 GPA, PreclinMean; Attempt 3 versus Year 4 GPA, ClinMean, PLOs. Multivariate regression analysis was completed for Attempt 1 and Attempt 2 versus Performance measures. The attempts were compared with t test statistic (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: Attempt 1 showed significant negative correlations between EI and pre-admissions measures. Attempt 1 and Attempt 2 showed significant positive associations for Self-Perception, Empathy, Impulse Control, and Stress Tolerance with academic performance and PLOs. Attempt 3 showed significant positive correlations for Social Responsibility, Empathy, Impulse Control and Decision making with clinical performance. The Interpersonal EQ domain, Empathy, and Happiness significantly declined during matriculation.

Conclusion(s): EQ-i 2.0 total score correlated significantly with preclinical and clinical performance in this study and is important for dental student performance.