The Comparative Effectiveness of Different Training Programs to Develop Nursing Undergraduates' Emotional Intelligence Skills: A Quantitative Systematized Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Emotional intelligence (EI), the ability to recognize and manage one's own and others' emotions, helps undergraduate nursing students face challenges. Therefore, it is recommended to teach it through programs based on Goleman's framework. Aim To compare the effectiveness of different training programs that impact the emotional intelligence of undergraduate nursing students with conventional nursing curricula. Methods A systematized review using PRISMA was conducted. Eligible quantitative studies, including RCTs and quasi-experimental studies, were included. Five databases were searched—Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE—as well as grey literature (Google Scholar and Open Gray) for articles in English from 2001 to 2024. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools were used for quality appraisal, and a narrative synthesis summarized the results. Results A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria: two RCTs and five quasi experimental studies. Programs, durations, and measurement tools were heterogeneous, and their quality ranged from moderate to high. Five studies, including the two RCTs, showed a statistically significant improvement on the emotional intelligence of undergraduate nursing students. Three of these studies IV followed Goleman's complete framework, which is recommended for nursing curricula. Conclusion Emotional intelligence programs based entirely on Goleman's framework might perform better than others; however, further research is needed. The results contribute to improving the design of programs by the Saudi National Centre for Mental Health Promotion. Additionally, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) does not have guidelines for these programs due to their current nonexistence. This research can assist educational policymakers in incorporating the program into nursing curricula, as well as support nurses in their professional practice.