Abstract
BACKGROUND: The relationship between stress, emotional intelligence (EI), and autonomic responses especially in undergraduate medical students has been inadequately studied. AIM: Thus, the present study aims to elucidate the association between them and additionally decipher the determinants of stress in this highly vulnerable group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 47 young healthy volunteers. Stress was assessed using: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) as a measure of acute stress, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) as a measure of chronic stress along with self-regulation and self-efficacy scale using validated questionnaires. EI was measured using Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test along with a battery of 5 tests for autonomic function assessment using standard protocols. RESULTS: Correlational analysis showed multiple bidirectional relationships between measures of stress, EI, and autonomic reactivity. On multiple regression analyses, the determinants of acute stress were found to be optimism levels (a sub-component of EI) and parasympathetic reactivity while determinants of chronic stress were appraisal of emotions (a sub-component of EI), self-regulation ability, and sympathetic reactivity. CONCLUSION: There is an association between stress, emotional intelligence, and autonomic reactivity. Interestingly, sympatho-vagal balance and sub-components of EI emerged as important determinants of both acute and chronic stress in undergraduate medical students.