The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Suicidality among Students in Kenya Medical Training College

Abstract

The increasing suicide cases among university and college students all over Kenya are alarming. The purpose of this study was to examine whether emotional intelligence correlates significantly with suicidality and mental health among Students in Kenya Medical Training College. The specific objectives were to assess the level of emotional intelligence; examine the level of suicidality, and establish the relationship between emotional intelligence and suicidality among students in Kenya Medical Training Colleges. A mixed-method cross-sectional study research design was applied. The sample comprised 372 participants aged between 17 and 25 years. Before data collection commenced, the necessary approvals and permits were acquired. This included USIU Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, a research permit from the National Commission of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI), and approval from KMTC. Data were collected using questionnaires, an emotional intelligence assessment tool, Suicidal History Self-Rating Screening Scale, as well as a Focus Groups Discussion Guide (FGD). Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, whereas the qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis into themes per the study objectives. The findings revealed a high level of emotional intelligence; a moderate level of suicidality, and a significant negative correlation between emotional intelligence and suicidality among college students at KMTC (38%) (r) is -0.380 while the significant value P is 0.000. Therefore, it was concluded that college students have a high level of emotional intelligence; that there is a moderate risk of suicidality among college students at KMTC; and hence, there is a need for a mental health program in colleges to help students deal with mental related challenges that are on the rise; and that a high level of emotional intelligence is important to prevent suicidality among college students. Consequently, it was suggested that the management of KMTC should strive to reduce the vulnerability to stress and depression among the students through a course unit that every medical student should go through during their first years of study to enhance their emotional intelligence. The study further suggested that the KMTC management deals with the situation swiftly to prevent suicide cases in the college by establishing a mental health program to offer counselling services to avoid cases of suicide. The policymaker should consider making it compulsory that all medical colleges in Kenya introduce a unit on emotional intelligence for all medical professionals. Finally, further studies on the relationship between emotional intelligence and suicidality should be conducted in other colleges and universities in Kenya, and further research should be conducted to establish the other factors that influence suicidality among college students.