ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and occupational stress among rehabilitation staffs in Tehran's training hospitals. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 169 staff members selected from a total of 300 rehabilitation staffs working in Tehran's training hospitals, recruited by random cluster sampling. Two questionnaires were used: The emotional intelligence questionnaire designed by Petrides and Furnham and HSE occupational stress questionnaire. Data obtained from this study were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression tests. An inverse significant relationship existed between occupational stress and emotional intelligence [P<0.001, r=-0.33]. There are, also, significant relationships between subscales of emotional intelligence including self-awareness [P=0.031, r=-0.18], social skills [P<0.001, r=-0.302], empathy [P=0.006, r=-0.238] and occupational stress. The results of multiple regressions indicated that the two subscales of 'understanding other's emotions' and 'social skills' can be used for predicting occupational stress. This study confirmed the relationship between emotional intelligence and occupational stress. Promotion of emotional intelligence through implementing training courses may lower rehabilitation staffs occupational stress or prevent it