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BACKGROUND: Medical undergraduates experience high academic stress. Emotional intelligence (EI) is a protective skill against stress that influences coping strategies. However, there is a paucity of research on how EI is associated with coping strategies in Indian students. The study aimed to assess EI levels and coping strategies among medical students and evaluate the associations between EI components and coping styles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 178 MBBS students at a medical teaching institute in western Maharashtra. Convenience sampling was used, and the students volunteered to participate in the study. EI and its components were measured using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test. Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief COPE Inventory, which measures 14 coping styles on a four-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation and multiple linear regression to determine independent associations after adjusting for demographic variables. RESULTS: The median EI score was 125, with the highest scores observed on the emotion utilization subscale. Problem-focused coping strategies, including active coping, planning, positive reframing, and acceptance, were the most commonly employed. Correlation analysis indicated significant positive relationships between EI and adaptive coping strategies. Multiple regression analysis showed that overall EI independently predicted a higher use of problem-focused coping, while the links with avoidant coping were not significant after adjustments. No significant sex differences in EI were found, although senior students had higher EI scores. CONCLUSION: EI appears to promote adaptive coping behaviors among medical students. Strengthening EI through structured educational interventions may enhance resilience and support student well-being.
Mourya et al. (Fri,) studied this question.