Increasing Emotional Intelligence through Self-Reflection Journals: Implications for Occupational Therapy Students as Emerging Clinicians

Occupational therapy practitioners and students need skills associated with emotional intelligence (EI) as it is linked with therapeutic use of self. It is vital to train and educate occupational therapy students in self-awareness in order to prepare them to work effectively with future clients and co-workers. This study explored the use of self-reflection journals among graduate students during their spring semester of a full-time on-campus Master’s in Occupational Therapy program. Researchers aimed to understand the impact of self-reflection journals on trait EI. First year master level occupational therapy students (n=39) completed the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue). Quantitative data were gathered from pre/post-test scores. Results indicated that students in the intervention group improved the following trait EI scores: (1) adaptability (p=.018); (2) relationships (p=.021). Additional data demonstrated an increase in percent change from pre/post-test among the intervention group as well. The results of this study suggest that even short-term use of self-reflection journals may have the ability to positively influence trait EI skills of future occupational therapy clinicians. Further study of the use of self-reflection journals among occupational therapy students and practitioners are recommended. Researchers provide additional strategies for developing self-awareness skills required for successful occupational therapy practice