Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.  2015 Jun;18(2):112-119. 10.14475/kjhpc.2015.18.2.112.

Occupational Stress and Emotional Intelligence in Hospice Volunteers

• Kim YH
• Kim M

• KMID: 2305260
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14475/kjhpc.2015.18.2.112

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the level of occupational stress and emotional intelligence in hospice volunteers.
METHODS
Participants were 158 hospice volunteers at hospitals in B city. Occupational stress, emotional intelligence, and general characteristics of hospice volunteers were measured. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficients.
RESULTS
The mean score for occupational stress was 2.16 points out of 4 and 4.65 out of 7 for emotional intelligence. The scores for occupational stress and emotional intelligence were significantly different by educational level and monthly income in hospice volunteers. Occupational stress was negatively correlated with emotional intelligence (r=-0.196, P=0.013).
CONCLUSION
A continuous educational program is needed to offer volunteers with new hospice-related trends. To ensure quality care for patients and their families, it should be helpful to encourage hospice volunteers to build a social network to enhance their emotional intelligence.

Keyword

Psychological stress; Emotional intelligence; Hospices; Hospice care; Volunteers

MeSH Terms

Emotional Intelligence*
Hospice Care
Hospices*
Humans
Intelligence
Stress, Psychological
Volunteers*