The relationship between emotional intelligence and initial response to a standardized periodontal treatment: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a psychological construct, which has been proposed as a measure of coping mechanisms. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the relationship between different domains of EI, and initial response to a simplified non-surgical treatment protocol in 29 patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Assessment of patients included socio-demographic and behavioural variables and assessment of EI. Clinical assessment included measurement of plaque and gingival bleeding. Patients received oral hygiene instruction (OHI) and supra-gingival scaling and polishing over two visits, and re-assessed after 3 weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant overall reduction in plaque and bleeding. Plaque reduction was positively associated with the EI construct of intentionality, resilience, constructive discontent and personal power (Spearman's rank test). Reduction in bleeding was positively correlated with resilience, constructive discontent and intuition. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated an association between EI domains and short-term changes in plaque and bleeding, and suggest that initial responses to standardized periodontal treatment may be partly related to EI.