| The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effectiveness of a modified mindfulness based attention training on the emotional intelligence (EI) skills and awareness levels of allied health professionals in training. Social constructivism, theory of the mind, emotional intelligence and mindfulness theories formed the theoretical basis. Using a sample of 75 undergraduates enrolled in four allied health programs at a college in an Eastern state, the researcher sought to compare EI abilities, as measured by Mayer, Salovey, and Caruso emotional intelligence test v 2.0, and awareness levels, as measured by mindful awareness attention scale (MAAS), before and after mindfulness training. A two paired t-test analysis indicated that MAAS scores at post-test were significantly higher than at pre-test, providing evidence of the positive effect of mindfulness training on the awareness levels. In contrast, EI scores were significantly lower at post-test than at pre-test. In addition, a Pearson product-moment correlation (r) analysis indicated no statistical correlation between EI and MAAS scores at either time point. Findings provide mixed support for the assertion related to the acquisition of emotional intelligence and awareness skills through mindfulness training. Given the exploratory nature of the study, the findings provide direction for further research rather than conclusive judgments. Although the findings did not confirm that mindfulness based intervention increases EI scores, it did provide important information for health leaders in the development of key competencies and capabilities within allied health training programs. While there are many limitations to the generalizability of these results, it is clear that further research is needed to establish the best approach to develop EI skills of healthcare professionals in training. |
