Association between emotional intelligence and turnover intention among nurses in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional mediation analysis

AIM: This study aimed to examine the association between emotional intelligence and turnover intention among nurses in Saudi Arabia, as well as the indirect effect through job stress. BACKGROUND: Nursing shortages remain a critical global concern. Turnover intention among nurses is a key workforce issue associated with negative organizational and patient outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional, non-experimental survey design was used. Data were collected from nurses across Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire. Emotional intelligence, job stress, and turnover intention were measured using validated instruments. Data were analyzed using SPSS and the PROCESS macro. RESULTS: Emotional intelligence was negatively associated with job stress (B = -0.308, p < 0.001) and turnover intention (direct effect: B = -0.572, p < 0.001). Job stress was positively associated with turnover intention (B = 0.357, p = 0.012). A significant indirect effect of emotional intelligence on turnover intention through job stress was observed (B = -0.110, 95% CI [-0.215, -0.006]), indicating partial mediation. CONCLUSION: Emotional intelligence is associated with turnover intention both directly and indirectly through job stress. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be inferred.