Background & Aims: Socialization is a constant process throughout human life. The enhancers of socialization
must be identified in order to promote this process. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation
between the emotional intelligence and professional socialization of the operating room students at Isfahan
University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted on 93 operating room students
at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences after determining the sample size. Data were collected using a
demographic questionnaire, Shirring and Siberia self-report questionnaire of emotional intelligence, and
professional socialization questionnaire by Toit. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using
descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The results of Pearson’s correlation-coefficient indicated direct correlations between the professional
socialization of students and the total score of emotional intelligence (P=0.04), social component (P<0.001),
empathy (P=0.04), and self-awareness (P=0.045). However, no significant associations were observed between
emotional intelligence and the other components (P>0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that the professional socialization of operating room students is
remarkably influenced by emotional intelligence and the level of learning in the academic environment. Given
the importance of intelligence and socialization in the clinical environment and comprehensive patient care,
clinical students must be adequately trained on emotional intelligence skills
