A critical literature review on emotional intelligence in addiction

Abstract

Introduction Emotional intelligence (EI) has been defined as the ability to perceive, understand, use and manage emotions. Studying EI could potentially be useful in understanding addictive behaviors as well as for designing and planning interventions. Objectives To conduct a critical review on EI impairment in addiction disorders. Methods MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, LILACS, and SciELO databases were searched. Articles that used the standardized Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) instrument to assess EI in people with addictions and healthy controls were selected for the review. Results We selected seven articles assessing EI and its associations with addiction disorders, mainly alcohol abuse and cocaine dependence. Most studies reported that individuals with addiction disorders had worse EI scores when compared to controls. Conclusion Overall, the studies reviewed demonstrated that addictions are associated with EI deficits, compared to controls. However, aspects such as the small number of addictive disorders analyzed, methodological issues related to instruments for assessment of IE and the lack of follow-up remain significant limitations.

The Effects of Emotional Intelligence and Parenting Styles on Self-Esteem in a Sample of Respondents in Nigeria

“…It has effects on learning, relationships, social, occupational, and psychological well-being and draws its explanatory power from socially challenging opportunity theory (Zeidner et al, 2009). It is associated with aggressive behavior (Qualter et al, 2019), mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior; alcohol and substance abuse; Brackett et al, 2011;Hertel et al, 2009;Kaypaklı & Tamam, 2019;Leite et al, 2019;Lizeretti et al, 2012;Mayer et al, 2008;Mikolajczak et al, 2009;Trinidad & Johnson 2002), and academic performance (MacCann et al, 2020). It is based on cognition, in contrast to self-esteem, which is based on affect (Roberts et al, 2001).…”

Emotional Intelligence, Motivation and Dysfunctional Attitude among Patients with Substance Use: Cognitive Behavior Therapy

“…It is referring the capacity to recognize feelings of self and others, to motivate ourselves and to manage emotions well in ourselves and our relationships. An extensive review of 7 articles revealed that emotional intelligence was very less in people with drug abuse [4]. Further the motivation of substance abuse patients is also very important to be examined.…”

Association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking addiction, and alcohol use disorder among a sample of Lebanese adults

“…In addition to the association of alexithymia with addictive practices, the literature mentions emotional intelligence (EI) as a dimension that can control or affect addiction [ 29 , 30 ]. EI is defined as the ability to monitor own and others’ feelings and emotions, discriminate between this information, and use it to guide thinking and decisions [ 31 ].…”

“…Therefore, it is hypothesized that people with higher EI have better control of their lives and better health outcomes. Moreover, higher EI is associated with better control of impulses and better management of addictions [ 30 ], while lower levels of EI can be associated with higher alcohol use disorder and smoking.…”