AB037. Emotional intelligence (EI) as a self-regulation method for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often struggle with reduced autonomy and low quality of life. Emotional aspects are crucial to the welfare of patients with COPD. While studies confirm the effectiveness of emotional self-management among patients, the literature on strategies and training of self-management is highly limited. In particular, emotional intelligence (EI) is a skill that can be developed at any age from any person and has a significant impact on the self-management of emotions, particularly in patients with chronic disease whose identity and emotional needs are frequently affected at multiple levels as they often have to face stressful situations that influence their adaptation to chronic disease and their overall functionality. The goal of this review is to investigate the role of EI in patients with COPD and their adjustment to the new situation along with the therapeutic recommendations and the clinical interventions that could be detected and positively contribute to the acceptance of the specific chronic disease. A literature review on PubMed databases, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS (2000–2016) was carried out with the use of relevant subject headings and keywords. EI may represent an important feature of COPD, as it is associated with the skills and self-quality of life domains, regardless of age or severity of the disease and can enhance existing rehabilitation efforts. Future research in EI can address the current gap in the treatment of affective components regarding COPD which are often responsible for reduced quality of life, low motivation to change the patient's behavior and increased use of health care.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); quality of life; emotional intelligence (EI)