The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence with Posttraumatic Growth in Hemodialysis Patients

Background & objectives: Despite numerous physical, psychological and social problems in hemodialysis patients, these patients also experience some positive psychological changes, called "posttraumatic growth". Posttraumatic growth is a complex concept associated with many factors, such as the characteristics of individual emotional intelligence. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and posttraumatic growth in hemodialysis patients in Ardabil province. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on all hemodialysis patients referred to hospitals in Ardabil Province in 2017. The Instruments used was included demographic characteristics form, Short form of Emotional Intelligence and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS version 15. Results: Most of the patients were male (55%), married (88.8%) and illiterate (45%). The mean and standard deviation of posttraumatic growth and emotional intelligence were 69.94±12.78 and 140.88±19.47, respectively. Also, emotional intelligence was associated with posttraumatic growth (r=0.617, p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that emotional intelligence had a direct correlation with post-traumatic growth. So, it can be suggested that education and promotion of emotional intelligence in hemodialysis patients can promote the development of post-traumatic growth.