Abstract
Background
Recognition of the importance of Emotional intelligence dates back as far as Aristotle (350BC). More recently the notion of emotional intelligence features in social psychology literature; it has also been embraced within personnel management and is now beginning to appear in nursing, medical and midwifery journals. Emotional intelligence involves possessing the capacity for motivation, creativity, the ability to operate at peak performance and the ability to persist in the face of setbacks and failures. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise our own feelings and those of others and it enables us to manage emotions effectively in ourselves and in our relationships.
Aims
Overall the aims of the paper are to define emotional intelligence and to present an original framework for reflection on the significance of this attribute in midwifery. This framework illustrates the impact of emotional intelligence on practice, particularly in relation to improving the quality of care delivered to women, and enhancing our relationships with colleagues.
Method
Midwives are constantly responding to change and challenges within maternity services. This paper examines how emotional intelligence can assist midwives in dealing with pressures which involve delivering the Government reforms, providing choice to women and facing current issues within the midwifery workforce.
Conclusion
EI refers to midwives’ ability to recognise our own feelings and those of others. Midwives need to develop self awareness and not avoid addressing emotional issues in midwifery practice. Raising the profile of EI in maternity care will enhance the effectiveness of midwives and strengthen the capacity to deal with pressures and develop effective relationships with colleagues and women (Hunter, 2004).
Recognition of the importance of Emotional intelligence dates back as far as Aristotle (350BC). More recently the notion of emotional intelligence features in social psychology literature; it has also been embraced within personnel management and is now beginning to appear in nursing, medical and midwifery journals. Emotional intelligence involves possessing the capacity for motivation, creativity, the ability to operate at peak performance and the ability to persist in the face of setbacks and failures. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise our own feelings and those of others and it enables us to manage emotions effectively in ourselves and in our relationships.
Aims
Overall the aims of the paper are to define emotional intelligence and to present an original framework for reflection on the significance of this attribute in midwifery. This framework illustrates the impact of emotional intelligence on practice, particularly in relation to improving the quality of care delivered to women, and enhancing our relationships with colleagues.
Method
Midwives are constantly responding to change and challenges within maternity services. This paper examines how emotional intelligence can assist midwives in dealing with pressures which involve delivering the Government reforms, providing choice to women and facing current issues within the midwifery workforce.
Conclusion
EI refers to midwives’ ability to recognise our own feelings and those of others. Midwives need to develop self awareness and not avoid addressing emotional issues in midwifery practice. Raising the profile of EI in maternity care will enhance the effectiveness of midwives and strengthen the capacity to deal with pressures and develop effective relationships with colleagues and women (Hunter, 2004).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 53-60 |
| Journal | Evidence Based Midwifery |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 01 Jun 2011 |