Courage with Clarity: Emotional Intelligence as a Mediator between Moral Courage and E-Cigarette Dependence among Nursing Students

Background The rising use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among university students, including those in health professions, poses significant public health risks. Moral courage enables individuals to act according to professional values despite social pressures, while emotional intelligence (EI) supports emotion regulation and informed decision-making. Objective This study aimed to examine the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between moral courage and e-cigarette dependence among nursing students. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was employed. A proportionate stratified random sample of 480 undergraduate nursing students completed an online survey. Instruments included the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10), the Nurses’ Moral Courage Scale (NMCS-21), and the E-Cigarette Dependence Scale (EDS-4). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and mediation analysis. Results Participants reported moderate e-cigarette dependence, moderate emotional intelligence, and high moral courage. Moral courage was negatively associated with e-cigarette dependence (r = -0.238, p < 0.001) and positively associated with emotional intelligence (r = 0.193, p < 0.001). Emotional intelligence was also negatively correlated with e-cigarette dependence (r = -0.159, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that both moral courage (β = -0.212, p < 0.001) and emotional intelligence (β = -0.134, p = 0.004) independently predicted lower e-cigarette dependence. Mediation analysis revealed that emotional intelligence partially mediated the relationship between moral courage and e-cigarette dependence (Sobel z = -2.66, p = 0.005). Conclusion Moral courage and emotional intelligence are protective factors against e-cigarette dependence among nursing students. Emotional intelligence partially mediates the relationship between moral courage and e-cigarette dependence, highlighting its role in translating ethical values into health-protective behaviors. Integrating moral courage and emotional intelligence training into nursing curricula may enhance students’ ethical resilience and promote healthier lifestyle choices. Clinical Trial Registration Not applicable. This study is not a clinical trial.