The Mediating Effect of Emotional Intelligence on the Association Between Gender Role Conflict and Turnover Intentions in Nursing Practice

Aim To examine whether emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between gender role conflict and turnover intentions among nurses in university medical clinics. Design Cross‐sectional correlational study using structural equation modelling. Methods Total‐population sampling was used to invite all registered nurses employed at King Faisal University medical clinics (Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia). Participants completed Arabic versions of the Gender Role Conflict Scale, Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale and Turnover Intention Scale‐6. Data collection occurred in February 2025. Confirmatory factor analyses supported construct validity. Mediation was tested with bootstrapped indirect effects (5000 samples). Results Ninety nurses participated (63.3% women; mean age 27.3 years). Gender role conflict correlated positively with turnover intentions ( r = 0.47, p < 0.01) and negatively with emotional intelligence ( r = −0.42, p < 0.01). Emotional intelligence correlated negatively with turnover intentions ( r = −0.39, p < 0.01). The structural model showed good fit (CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.043, SRMR = 0.039). Gender role conflict had a direct positive association with turnover intentions ( β = 0.33, p < 0.01) and an indirect effect via reduced emotional intelligence (indirect estimate = 0.18; 95% CI 0.12–0.26), supporting partial mediation. Conclusion Emotional intelligence partially explains how gender role conflict relates to nurses' intentions to leave. Targeted development of emotional competencies, alongside organisational strategies that address gendered role expectations, may help reduce turnover. Impact Findings identify a modifiable psychological pathway linking gendered stressors and turnover. Embedding emotional intelligence training in education and practice and addressing gender role conflict through inclusive policies may improve retention and quality of care. Reporting Method STROBE. Patient or Public Contribution None.