Abstract:
Hospital settings are always recognized as challenging and demanding. Nurses’ main tasks in hospital are to fulfill doctors’ and patients’ needs and to cope with the problems that arise from the demands. In order to achieve the targeted goals that align with the values of the hospitals, nurses need to strive to keep up with the standards set and to maintain the quality of service. Therefore, their mental healths are at risk. Objectives of the present study were to investigate the relationships between conflict resolution styles, emotional intelligence and mental health among nurses. A survey method with cross-sectional design was used to examine these relationships. Stratified sampling method was applied in the selection of participants in a hospital in Malaysia. A total of 242 female nurses from 11 departments participated in this study. The assessments used were Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II, Schutte’s Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Findings revealed that conflict resolution style statistically significantly correlated with and predicted mental health. Emotional intelligence also statistically significantly correlated with and predicted mental health. The present study provides insights into both conflict resolution style and emotional intelligence which are neglected by most service providers. The significant findings suggest that enhancement and improvement of nurses’ conflict resolution style and emotional intelligence could contribute beneficiary outcomes to health care institutions.
Keywords: conflict resolution styles, emotional intelligence, mental health, nurses
