title: A validation of the construct and reliability of an emotional intelligence scale applied to nursing students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current study aimed to validate the construct and reliability of an emotional intelligence scale.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 was applied to 349 nursing students. The process included content validation, which involved expert reviews, pilot testing, measurements of reliability using Cronbach's alpha, and factor analysis to corroborate the validity of the theoretical model's construct.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Adequate Cronbach coefficients were obtained for all three dimensions, and factor analysis confirmed the scale's dimensions (perception, comprehension, and regulation).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Trait Meta-Mood Scale is a reliable and valid tool to measure the emotional intelligence of nursing students. Its use allows for accurate determinations of individuals' abilities to interpret and manage emotions. At the same time, this new construct is of potential importance for measurements in nursing leadership; educational, organizational, and personal improvements; and the establishment of effective relationships with patients.
authors: Departamento de Enfermería, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
authors: Maritza
authors: M
authors: Espinoza-Venegas
authors: Departamento de Enfermería, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
authors: Olivia
authors: O
authors: Sanhueza-Alvarado
authors: Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
authors: Noé
authors: N
authors: Ramírez-Elizondo
authors: Departamento de Estadística, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
authors: Katia
authors: K
authors: Sáez-Carrillo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D056348:Emotional Intelligence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D057566:Self Report; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult