Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Journal of Isfahan Medical School

Relationship Between Moral Intelligence and Turnover Intention Among Nurses Working in Teaching Hospitals of Gorgan in 2026

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors
Michael Alaghi 1
Maedeh Sadeghigolafshani 2
Hamid hojjati 3
1 MSc Student in Geriatric Nursing, Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Geriatric Nursing, Nasibeh Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
10.48305/jims.v44.i876.1604
Abstract
Introduction:Nurses play a critical role in healthcare quality and patient safety. However, job stress, ethical conflicts, and complex work environments may increase turnover intention. Moral intelligence, as a professional competency, may enhance ethical decision-making and job commitment and reduce nurses’ intention to leave. This study aimed to determine the relationship between moral intelligence and intention to leave among nurses.
Methods:This descriptive-correlational cross-sectional study was conducted in 2026 among nurses working in educational hospitals of Gorgan, Iran. A total of 115 nurses were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Lennick and Kiel’s Moral Competency Inventory, and Hinshaw’s Anticipated Turnover Scale. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests in SPSS version 22.
Results:The mean scores of moral intelligence and intention to leave were 120.18 ± 33.02 and 38.37 ± 10.35, respectively. A significant correlation was found between moral intelligence and intention to leave (r=0.76, P<0.01). Moral intelligence was significantly associated with age (P=0.013) and work experience (P=0.004). Intention to leave was also significantly related to age (P=0.01) and work experience (P=0.001).
Conclusion:Moral intelligence is significantly associated with n

Highlights

Michael Alaghi: PubMed  , Google Scholar

Hamid Hojjati: PubMed  ,Google Scholar

Keywords
Moral Intelligence
Nurses Moral Intelligence
Turnover Intention
Nurses
Subjects
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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 44, Issue 876
3rd Week, October
September and October 2026
Pages 1604-1613

  • Receive Date 14 August 2026
  • Accept Date 24 August 2026