Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Health Behavior among Employees Working at Damanhour University/Egypt

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is an emerging concept for understanding human behaviors. It is an essential feature for promotion of positive health behaviors and prevention of negative ones. The aim: assess the relationship between EI and health behavior among employees working at Damanhur University/Egypt. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized. Setting the study was carried out in the main administrative building of Damanhur University. Participants: A simple random sampling technique was used to choose 200 employees. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection: A structured questionnaire for socio-demographic data, EI scale and health behavior scale. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between the total EI and health behavior scales and all of its domains (dietary behavior, personal care/health responsibility, injury and accident prevention and stress management) except smoking and physical exercise. Otherwise, a significant negative correlation was found between substance abuse behaviors and the total EI scale and its two subscales of emotions regulation and emotions perception and expression. Conclusion and Recommendations: EI is a helpful tool for promotion of positive health behaviors and prevention of risk behaviors. Thus, EI abilities should be taught for public as a target for health promotion through educational programs, campaigns, hotlines. It also should be included in school curricula to promote health of the future generations.

Keywords: Emotional intelligence, Health behavior