Emotional Intelligence as A Predictor of Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the predictive role of emotional intelligence (EI) and its elements for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) dimensions in a sample of breast cancer survivors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a single oncology clinic at a university hospital. A sample of breast cancer survivors (n = 180) completed three questionnaires: Short-Form Health Survey SF-36 (the RAND 36-item) with 8 dimensions; Cyberia Shrink EI Test (with five elements); and demographic Characteristics. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). A series of multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data.

Results: EI was a predictor for two dimensions of HRQoL components in survivors: mental (β = 0.45, P < 0.001); and physical (β = 0.27, P < 0.001). However, it was a better predictor for the mental HRQoL than for physical. More specifically, several elements of EI, including self-motivation, self-awareness, and self-control, demonstrated significant variance with a medium effect for prediction of dimensions of HRQoL. "Self-motivation" (β = 0.27, P < 0.001) and "self-awareness" (β = 0.29, P < 0.01) together were the best predictors of the variances of survivors' "general health" (R ² = 28%). "Self-motivation" (β = 0.39, P < 0.001), and "self-control" (β = 0.19, P < 0.05), also together, were the best predictors of the variances of survivors' "emotional well-being" (R ² = 28%).

Conclusions: Educational intervention programs should be planned by concentrating on special elements of EI, including self-motivation, self-awareness and self-control, to improve HRQoL dimensions in breast cancer survivors.