ASSESSMENT OF THE MODERATING EFFECT OF STRESS MANAGEMENT ON EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN FEDERAL HOSPITALS IN PLATEAU STATE

This study examined the moderating effect of stress management on the relationship between emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management) and employee performance among health workers in the Inter-Country Centre for Oral Health for Africa (ICOH) and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Plateau State, Nigeria. Using a quantitative approach, hypotheses were tested to determine how stress management influences employee performance outcomes. The findings revealed that stress management significantly moderates the relationships between self-awareness, social awareness, relationship management, and employee performance, thereby enhancing their positive effects. However, stress management did not significantly moderate the relationship between self-management and performance, suggesting that strong self-management skills may operate independently of stress intervention. These results underscore the critical role of stress management in optimizing emotional intelligence and improving health worker performance. The study concludes that effective stress management, in combination with emotional intelligence competencies, contributes to enhanced job performance, employee well-being, and ultimately, better patient care outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of structured stress management programs, continuous emotional intelligence training, supportive leadership practices, and workplace well-being policies to strengthen employee resilience and improve organizational effectiveness.