Emotional intelligence related to expressions of gender violence in medical students

Abstract

Introduction: behaviors that reflect a lack of empathy, difficulties in accepting others and themselves, lack of communication skills, poor relationships due to discriminatory behaviors, and problems accepting gender differences and sexual diversity have been observed in medical students at the Facultad de Ciencias Médicas No. 2 in Santiago de Cuba.

Objective: to describe the deficiencies in the emotional intelligence of these students related to expressions of gender violence at the aforementioned faculty of the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba.

Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between September 2024 and March 2025. The universe consisted of 1,516 students; the sample was selected through random probability sampling, comprising 306 subjects. Socio-emotional competencies, knowledge about gender violence, and attitudes towards it were analyzed through the application of a structured interview, an observation guide, and documentary analysis.

Results: the variables socioemotional competencies and attitudes toward gender-based violence were diagnosed as Affected, while the variable knowledge about gender-based violence was Frequently Affected.

Conclusions: medical students at Facultad de Ciencias Médicas No. 2 who show the greatest deficiencies in the development of their emotional intelligence are more likely to engage in impulsive and discriminatory behaviors associated with gender-based violence. The main gaps identified in emotional intelligence are related to self-control problems and emotional immaturity.