Effects of Emotional Intelligence on Multi-cultural Cognition and Multi-cultural Attitude in Undergraduate Nursing Students in Korea

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data to develop effective multicultural
education programs related to emotional intelligence by understanding its relationship with multicultural
cognition, and the attitude of college students in the nursing science departments.
Method: A descriptive correlational survey design was administered on a total of 197 nursing students in
Korea. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression
analysis, with the SPSS/WIN 21.0 program.
Result: The multicultural perception was 3.61 ± 0.40 out of 5, and the multicultural attitude was 4.52 ±
.61 out of 6. Emotional intelligence which comprises multicultural cognition (p< .001), and multicultural
attitude (p<.001), all had a positive correlation with multicultural attitude (p<.001).
Discussion: To develop multicultural education programs for nursing students and college students, it is
necessary to develop and apply differentiated intervention strategies using emotional intelligence.
Implications for nursing: This can contribute to promote flexibility of nursing students and help them adapt
themselves to clinical practice.