Trait Self-Esteem and Emotional Intelligence in the In-Person Return of Nursing Students

Introduction: Psycho-emotional risks in nursing students are a persistent problem over time, describing the protective factors in this population is an increasingly important need. Objective: To describe the relationship of Self-esteem with Trait Emotional Intelligence in the return of post-confinement face-to-face academic activities in Nursing students at a public university in Chile. Methods: Quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional, non-experimental study. The TEIQue-SF Emotional Intelligence questionnaire and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale were applied; both questionnaires cross-culturally adapted for use in the target population; the final sample was 213 nursing students from 1st to 5th year. Results: There was a prevalence of 68.1% with low self-esteem, likewise, in trait Emotional Intelligence, 37% were found in the very high percentile. In addition, a positive weak correlation was associated between the total self-esteem and the emotionality factor (r=.268; p<.000). Likewise, a strong negative correlation was observed between total self-esteem and the trait Emotional Intelligence Well-being factor (r=-.705; p<.000). Conclusions: There is a psycho-emotional risk associated with the reported low self-esteem and biosociodemographic factors. Trait emotional intelligence is considered a protective factor and influences self-esteem. Universities and academic teachers should be a source of training in emotional management, trying to develop this construct as an important protective factor in this student body at risk.