Emotional intelligence and self-compassion among medical student

Introduction. Although scientific literature emphasizes the importance of both emotional intelligence and self-compassion for medical students, there is a lack of research examining the interaction between these phenomena within this sample. This study aims to reveal the relationship between emotional intelligence and self-compassion among medical students. Methods. The study included 234 medical students from the 1st to 6th year at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, aged 18–46 years (M = 22.14, SD = 3.51), 195 females (84.1%) and 37 males (15.9%). Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire, which included the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, and three socio-demographic questions. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS, applying descriptive statistics, independent samples tests, and correlation analysis. Results. The median total emotional intelligence score among medical students was 125 (IQR: 116–135) (min. 70; max. 163), indicating a relatively high level of emotional intelligence. No statistically significant differences in emotional intelligence were found based on gender, age, or year of study. The average self-compassion score was 2.89 (IQR: 2.48–3.24) (min. 1.49; max. 4.09), suggesting a moderate level of self-compassion. Students were significantly more likely (p < 0.001) to employ positive self-compassion strategies (e.g., common humanity, mindfulness) rather than negative ones (e.g., self-criticism, isolation). A statistically significant relationship was found between self-compassion and age (p < 0.001). A weak but significant positive correlation was identified between emotional intelligence and self-compassion (rho = 0.41, p < 0.001). The strongest associations were found between the emotional awareness subscale and the common humanity and mindfulness subscales (p < 0.001), as well as between self-emotion management and self-kindness, self-criticism, common humanity, isolation, mindfulness, and over-identification (p < 0.001). Additionally, strong associations were observed between the management of others’ emotions and self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, as well as between the use of emotions and common humanity and mindfulness (p < 0.001).