Emotional Resilience and Behavioral Flexibility: The Predictive Influence of Trait Emotional Intelligence on Adaptive Performance

Abstract

Background: The modern multispecaility hospital setting requires high levels of adaptable performance (AP) from nursing staff due to its rapid organizational change, extreme volatility, and complicated patient requirements. It is believed that emotional intelligence (EI) is a crucial psychological antecedent that permits behavioural flexibility under stressful situations.

Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative design was used to investigate the connection between AP and trait EI. (N=214) registered nurses employed in multispeciality hospital settings were chosen as a convenience sample. The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF) and the multidimensional Adaptive Performance Scale (APS), which is based on Pulakos’s eight dimensions were, used to gather data. Using Hierarchical Multiple Regression (HMR), the distinctive prediction ability of EI was evaluated.

Results: There was a substantial positive correlation (r = 0.45, p < 0.001) between trait EI and overall AP. Trait EI was found to be a significant predictor of AP, accounting for an extra 18% of the variance (R² = 0.18, p < 0.001) above control factors (age and experience), according to HMR analysis. Handling Work Stress and Crisis Management were the AP dimensions with the strongest predictive power.

Conclusion: In extremely complicated clinical roles, high trait EI is a significant predictor of adaptability. These results highlight how crucial emotional competence is to nurse’s ability to remain calm, creative, and focused in the face of erratic work environments and pressing expectations.

Implications: To support professional growth, strengthen organizational resilience, and ultimately improve patient safety outcomes, health systems should incorporate EI evaluation and training.