Emotional Intelligence of Nursing Students in Korea: A Scoping Review

Purpose: This study aims to examine the current state of research on emotional intelligence among Korean nursing students through a scoping review of the literature. Methods: The study followed the five-step scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Data were retrieved from the COre Database recommended by the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency (NECA), covering publications from 2019 to December 2023. A total of 77 studies were selected and organized using the Zotero literature management program and Microsoft Excel. Results: Of the 77 studies, 70 were survey-based, one employed a mixed-methods approach, and six were an intervention study. Sixty-three studies analyzed the influence of emotional intelligence, identifying 37 outcome variables. The most frequent outcome variables, each appearing in five studies, were clinical performance, self-directed learning, and interpersonal competencies. These variables were categorized into learning and nursing competencies, social competencies, and psychological competencies, with learning and nursing competencies being the most frequently studied. Emotional intelligence in Korean nursing students was found to positively influence most outcome variables. Conclusion: This study provides evidence of the significant impact of emotional intelligence on Korean nursing students. Emotional intelligence can be improved through education and can positively impact students' learning and nursing competencies, and social and psychological competencies. Nursing education curricula should incorporate diverse intervention strategies to foster emotional intelligence.