Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Emotional intelligence (EI) is reliably associated with better mental health. A growing body of evidence suggests that EI acts as a protective buffer against some psychosocial stressors to promote adaptation. However, little is known about how the two principle forms of EI (trait and ability) work together to impact underlying stressor-health processes in adolescence. One thousand one hundred and seventy British adolescents (mean age = 13.03 years; SD = 1.26) completed a variety of standardized instruments assessing EI; coping styles; family dysfunction; negative life events; socioeconomic adversity; depression and disruptive behavior. Path analyses found that trait and ability EI work in tandem to modify the selection and efficacy of avoidant coping to influence the indirect effect of stressors on depression but not disruptive behavior. Nevertheless, actual emotional skill (ability EI) appears dependent on perceived competency (trait EI) to realize advantageous outcomes. Findings are evaluated and discussed with reference to theoretical and practical implications.
Authors: Sarah K. Davis, Neil Humphrey
Institutions: University of Worcester, University of Manchester
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2007293670