Iranian Researchers Conduct Study on Effects of Emotional Intelligence on Students' Performance

"Examining the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievements in students majoring in anesthesiology and operating room technician at the Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS)" is the title of study done by a group of researchers at the TUMS.

For many years, many would think that IQ is the only index that shows the people's success; but psychologists have realized now that non-cognitive factors such as emotional and social elements a play very important role in achieving success as well, the researchers said.

The study pointed out that IQ alone is not enough to assess a person's success and it can only account for 20% of factors behind success. The research further said that success of the students can be dependent on the emotional, social and luck factors.

According to the researchers, emotional intelligence is one of the succesful factors in both educational centers or at work as well as in social relationships, and with its help, one can secure success in various aspects of life

The research continued to realize that emotional intelligence could play a more important role than cognitive intelligence, because many learnings require having social and emotional skills. It also concluded that emotional intelligence helps people in their social relations, decision-making, and with their creativity.

According to the research, emotional intelligence is a combination of emotional and social knowledge and abilities that effectively affect our overall capabilities to respond to needs.

According to the researchers, emotional intelligence can predict a person's social and academic success to a great extent, a conclusion that has been supported by other studies.

The findings of the study further showed there is a direct and significant correlation between emotional intelligence and students' performance at university. Therefore, it is recommended that universities, by recruiting expert psychologists, set up appropriate workshops and hold courses to improve students' emotional skills and abilities.

The researchers who collaborated in conducting the study were: Ayeen Mohammadi (Assistant Professor of Electronic Learning in Medical Sciences, Virtual Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences) , Rita Mojtahedzadeh (Assistant Professor, Department of Electronic Learning in Medical Sciences at the TUMS Virtual Faculty); Afzal Shamsi (Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, at the TUMS Faculty of Allied Health Professions, Research Center for Nursing and Midwifery Care). The findings of their study have been published in an article in the bimonthly magazine "Payavard Salamat" adminstered by the TUMS.

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