Emotional intelligence and its correlation to performance as a resident: a preliminary study

Study ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that emotional intelligence, as measured by the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-I) 125 (Multi Health Systems, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) personal inventory, would correlate with resident performance.DesignProspective survey.SettingUniversity-affiliated, multiinstitutional anesthesiology residency program.ParticipantsCurrent clinical anesthesiology years one to three (PGY 2-4) anesthesiology residents enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh Anesthesiology Residency Program.MeasurementsParticipants confidentially completed the Bar-On EQ-I 125 survey. Results of the individual EQ-I 125 and daily evaluations by the faculty of the residency program were compiled and analyzed.Main ResultsThere was no positive correlation between any facet of emotional intelligence and resident performance. There was statistically significant negative correlation (−0.40; P < 0.05) between assertiveness and the “American Board of Anesthesiology essential attributes” component of the resident evaluation.ConclusionsEmotional intelligence, as measured by the Bar-On EQ-I personal inventory, does not strongly correlate to resident performance as defined at the University of Pittsburgh.