Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Education

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

First Advisor

Gesulla Cavanaugh

Date of original Performance / Presentation

January 2023

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

Background: Mental illness stigma (MIS) within healthcare settings has been reported among prelicensure nursing students (PNSs) and contributes to disparities in healthcare outcomes among individuals with mental illness (IWMI). Personal contact and clinical exposure with IWMI have been discussed as helpful reductive MIS strategies; however, the methods for reducing the negative emotions that surround MIS are not well understood. Emotional intelligence (EI) research has demonstrated favorable interpersonal relationships through the use of positive emotions. Limited empirical data exist on the relationship between MIS and EI among PNSs. Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between MIS and EI among PNSs and to determine whether previous personal contact and clinical experience with IWMI are correlated with and predict MIS and EI. Methods: A descriptive quantitative research approach was employed to collect data from 99 participants. Data from a demographic survey, the Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Health Care Providers, and the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test were analyzed. Hypotheses testing was completed by analyzing the results of correlation and regression analyses. Results: The results revealed a significantly negative correlation between PNSs’ level of MIS and EI (r = −549, p < .001). They also revealed no significant correlation between previous personal contact or clinical experience with MIS or EI. Conclusion: This study’s findings will inform nursing practice, education, research, and public policy on strategies for reducing MIS and promoting positive emotional interactions among PNSs and IWMI.

Disciplines

Nursing

Keywords

Emotional Intelligence; Mental Health Stigma; Mental Illness Stigma; Prelicensure Nursing Students

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