Emotional intelligence and perceived organizational support as predictors of emotional exhaustion among nurses and midwives

Abstract

Purpose – Navigating the physical and emotional conditions of patients on daily basis can be emotionally exhaustive, requiring health professional to regulate their emotions in order to provide quality healthcare. The present study set out to examine the consequential effect of emotional intelligence and perceived organizational support (POS) on emotional exhaustion of nurses and midwives in the Ghanaian context. The study also examined the effects of age and cadres of nursing and midwifery on emotional exhaustion. Design/methodology/approach – The study was quantitative in nature and employed the cross-sectional design in sampling respondents. The study was conducted in four public hospitals and two quasi-public hospitals in three main districts in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A sample of 342 nurses and midwives were proportionately sampled from various health facilities. The sample constituted of staff nurses and midwives. Findings – The study revealed that while age, cadres of nursing and midwifery and POS had consequential effects on emotional exhaustion, emotional intelligence failed to predict emotional exhaustion. Originality/value – Findings of the study draw the attention to the importance of organizational support in attenuating the emotional exhaustion associated with the nursing profession.