Emotional Intelligence Training for Reducing Illicit Drug Use Potential among Iranian Nurses: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Some studies show that a low level of emotional intelligence (EI) is associated with self-destructive behaviors such as deviant behavior or smoking. Objective: The current study aimed at determining the effects of EI on the illicit drug use potential among nurses. Methods: The current quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2015 on 70 hospital nurses. Samples were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups (35 nurses in each group). Then, the experimental group subjects attended EI training sessions. Results: Illicit drug use potential in the experimental group had significant negative changes in comparison with that of the control group (P < 0.001) after the completion of the training sessions. Conclusions: Given the importance of EI to help nurses to avoid risky behaviors, holding training sessions on EI for nurses and nursing students appears necessary.