A Comparative Study on Emotional Intelligence and Self-Efficacy of Korean and Chinese Skin Care Professionals: Differences in Job Stress and Job Commitment

Background: The global beauty market is undergoing a significant paradigm shift due to the rapid expansion of the Chinese beauty industry and the evolving aesthetic preferences between Korea and China. While individual psychological factors of skin care professionals have been studied, comparative research addressing the cultural and industrial disparities between the two nations remains scarce. Methods: This study empirically investigated the differences in emotional intelligence, job stress, self-efficacy, and job involvement among skin care professionals in Korea and China. Data were collected from practitioners in both countries and analyzed using comparative statistical methods to identify the influence of cultural backgrounds and industrial development stages. Results: The results revealed significant cross-national differences in all variables. First, Chinese practitioners exhibited higher levels of emotional intelligence (understanding others’ and self-emotions, emotion regulation) and self-efficacy (task performance) than their Korean counterparts. This is attributed to the high-pressure competitive environment of the burgeoning Chinese market and the traditional values emphasizing self-control. Second, Chinese practitioners also showed higher job involvement (attachment, satisfaction, and responsibility), reflecting the social perception of skin care as a high-skilled professional vocation in China. Conversely, Korean practitioners demonstrated lower emotion regulation and higher inner job stress, suggesting emotional exhaustion caused by the mature market’s intensive service requirements. Conclusion: This comparative study provides a foundational framework for “Comparative Cosmetology” by elucidating how industrial cycles and cultural values shape the psychological mechanisms of beauty professionals. To maintain a competitive edge, the Korean beauty industry must implement strategic HR management, such as resilience-building programs for emotion regulation and organizational cultures that enhance professional self-esteem.