Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Norma Cuellar

Committee Chair School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Member 2

Dr. Lachel Story

Committee Member 2 School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Member 3

Dr. Elizabeth Tinnon

Committee Member 3 School

Professional Nursing Practice

Committee Member 4

Dr. Yang Ge

Committee Member 4 School

Health Professions

Abstract

This study investigated the association between emotional intelligence (managing and understanding), empathy, and social determinants of health (SDOH) among accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) students. Despite the exponential increase in ABSN programs in the United States, little is known about the association between these variables among this nursing student population. A cross-sectional, correlational descriptive design was used to survey 104 students completing ABSN programs in Georgia, Mississippi, Philadelphia, and Texas. Participants self-reported their socioeconomic and programmatic characteristics using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Emotional intelligence (managing and understanding) was measured using two instruments, including the Situational Test of Emotional Management – Brief (STEM–B) and the Situational Test of Emotional Understanding – Brief (STEU–B). The Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale–Revised (KCES–R) measured participants’ cognitive and affective empathy. The American Academy of Family Physicians Social Needs screening tool measured participants’ SDOH. Statistical analyses included correlation coefficients and multiple regression models to examine associations between emotional intelligence (managing and understanding), empathy, and SDOH. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation (r(104) = .70, p = r(104) = .24, p = r(104) = .31, p = β = -.14, p=.017, β = -.14, pβ = -.04, p=.008, respectively). This study expands the knowledge and understanding of ABSN students. It is recommended that nursing curricula fully integrate health equity principles into nursing curricula to equip future nurses with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to advocate for marginalized populations. The doctoral student recommends that future longitudinal research be conducted to ascertain causation and investigate probable mechanisms underlying this association.

ORCID ID

0009-0008-7246-5612

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