Relationship of Emotional Intelligence and Ageism of Chinese Medical and Nursing Students: Gratitude as Mediator

This study examines the association between emotional intelligence and ageism, and the mediating role of gratitude in the relationship among Chinese medical and nursing students. An online survey was completed by 315 freshman and sophomore students. Students with higher emotional intelligence were likely to have higher gratitude, and could discriminate against older adults less. A higher gratitude indicated a lower ageism. Mediation analysis results suggested a significant mediating effect of gratitude. To improve medical and nursing students’ attitude towards older adults, future training programs should focus more on medical humanity and increasing students’ emotional intelligence and gratitude.