Self-Efficacy, Emotional Intelligence, and Developmental Support Nursing Competency of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses.

Abstract

Background: Although developmental care is vital for neurodevelopment, the integrated psychological and professional mechanisms driving performance remain underexplored.

Purpose: This study identified key predictors of developmental care performance among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses by examining the synergistic roles of self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and developmental support nursing competency.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted with 137 NICU nurses from 6 hospitals in South Korea. Data from self-administered questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression.

Results: Developmental care performance showed significant positive correlations with developmental support nursing competency (r = 0.68, P < .001), self-efficacy (r = 0.53, P < .001), and emotional intelligence (r = 0.42, P < .001). Multiple regression analysis identified developmental support nursing competency (β = 0.52, P < .001) and self-efficacy (β = 0.26, P < .001) as the primary predictors of developmental care performance, collectively accounting for a substantial 50.2% of the total variance (F = 35.2, P < .001).

Implications for practice and research: Strengthening developmental support nursing competency and self-efficacy through structured educational and professional development initiatives may enhance the delivery of developmental care in the NICU. Future research should evaluate educational strategies and organizational factors that support the consistent implementation of high-quality developmental care practices.