EXPLORACIÓN CUALITATIVA DE LA FORMACIÓN TRANSVERSAL EN SALUD: PERSPECTIVAS SOBRE INTELIGENCIA Y COMPETENCIAS EMOCIONALES

The qualitative research studied the relevance of cross-cutting training in higher education, focusing on the development of emotional competencies and emotional intelligence in students of Veterinary Medicine and Nursing at two Chilean universities. The objective was to analyze how these competencies are perceived and integrated in the academic curricula, identifying their importance in personal and professional development, as well as the factors that favor or hinder their implementation. Fifty-six semi-structured interviews were conducted with students and teachers, validated by experts in the subject and methodology, and approved by the Ethics, Bioethics and Biosafety Committee of the Universidad de Concepción. The results showed diverse conceptions about the value of emotional competencies and emotional intelligence in university education. Students highlighted their usefulness in facing emotional challenges in academic and professional contexts, demanding greater institutional support for their development. Teachers recognized their relevance but pointed out barriers such as lack of teacher training, resource limitations and curricular rigidity. The analysis identified key facilitators and barriers. Among the facilitators, institutional initiatives that promote comprehensive training and emotional accompaniment were mentioned. Barriers included the absence of a clear and sequential training path, as well as the lack of specific policies to integrate these competencies. The findings underscore the need to strengthen cross-cutting training with a humanistic and social approach that enhances essential emotional skills, contributing to the personal well-being and professional success of students and teachers in an increasingly demanding and competitive context.