Evaluation of correlation between emotional intelligence and academic performance in dental students

Objectives: Emotional intelligence (EI) serves as a guide to people for recognizing their as well as other persons feelings and make appropriate choices by applying this knowledge. It is also responsible for building stronger relationships, succeeding at work, and achieving personal and professional goals. The aim of the study was to find out correlation between EI and academic performance (AP) in dental students of VSPM Dental College and Research Centre. (VSPM DCRC). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and observational study was conducted among the students of VSPM DCRC over a period of 6 months. Study participants were interns who had completed 4 years of study, final year students, 3rd-year students, and 2nd-year students of VSPM DCRC. Results: A total of 130 students participated in this study. Out of total 130 participants, 104 were females and 26 were males, there is a positive correlation between AP and EI. Since P < 0.05 so the correlation is significant. Furthermore, the value of correlation coefficient (r) is 0.029, thus there is 2% of correlation between EI and AP. Conclusion: A positive correlation was observed between EI and AP in students. However, as the EI of majority of students in this study was high, the value of correlation was small.