Exploring the Association between Emotional Intelligence and Burnout in Medical Students
Abstract
Burnout poses a significant threat to the well-being and professional development of medical students. Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognised as a protective factor that enhances coping mechanisms and resilience. This study aimed to assess the profiles of EI and burnout among Indian medical students and investigate the association between these two constructs in a region where such data is limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private medical college in Western India from April to November 2024. The study included 370 participants comprising undergraduate students from all professional years and interns. Data were collected using an anonymous online survey incorporating the Schutte Self-Report EI Test and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Statistical analysis included Spearman’s Rho and the Mann– Whitney U test to examine the relationship between EI and burnout levels. The mean EI score was 121.8 (standard deviation [SD] = 11.9), with 77.3% of students falling within the normal range. The mean total burnout score was 43.2 (SD = 13.1). Among the burnout domains, personal burnout (46.9) was highest, followed by work-related (45.4) and client-related burnout (37.2). While 51.6% of students scored below the burnout threshold, 43.8% exhibited moderate burnout. A significant moderate negative correlation was observed between total EI and total burnout scores (ρ = −0.288, p < 0.001). In addition, students categorised with moderate burnout possessed significantly lower EI scores compared to those with low burnout ( p < 0.001). This study confirms a significant inverse association between EI and burnout. Higher EI was associated with lower emotional exhaustion inherent in medical training. Personal burnout was the most prevalent dimension. These findings suggest that EI may be a relevant correlate of burnout, and longitudinal or interventional studies are needed to determine whether enhancing EI can improve resilience and psychological well-being.