Impact of reflective writing skill on emotional quotient.

BACKGROUND: The skill of reflective writing and emotional drivers of behavior is enhanced by boosting the awareness of one's feelings and emotions. Individuals having characteristic activity of reflection have more emotional quotient (EQ). EQ has more significance than intelligence quotient in personal and professional life. This study is conducted to analyze the impact of reflective writing skills on components of EQ among first-year MBBS students and to find out the impact of reflective writing between components of EQ and different levels of reflective writing skills among first-year MBBS students.

METHODS: An observational-analytical study was carried out for EQ self-assessment and reflections of first-year MBBS students. A paired t-test was used to check the difference between different segments of EQ. Analysis of reflections was done by modifying the REFLECT rubric method.

RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the motivation component between pre and post-test (p-value = 0.013), whereas no significant difference was observed in other components, viz. self-awareness, empathy, self-control, self-confidence, and social competency. The average total scores among EQ domains compared were more at the level of reflection than habitual and introspection levels.

CONCLUSION: Along with intelligence quotient, EQ is critical for students' overall development. The average total scores of EQ were higher among the students who had a higher level of reflection. Developing reflective writing skills had an impact on the motivation component of the EQ of the students within a short duration.