Does Emotional Intelligence Increase Satisfaction with Life during COVID-19? The Mediating Role of Depression

Abstract

COVID-19 has spread rapidly and become a health crisis around the world, and negatively affected the mental state of individuals. Emotional intelligence (EI) can play an important role in coping with the mental problems experienced due to the pandemic. This study examined how individuals’ emotional intelligence levels affect depression and satisfaction with life during the COVID-19 period. The study was designed as quantitative and cross-sectional and reached 578 adult participants online. Emotional intelligence trait scale–short form, depression subscale (DASS-21), satisfaction with life scale, and sociodemographic questions as control variables were used as data collection tools in the study. The data obtained were conducted using SPSS 24, PROCESS-Macro, and Amos 25 statistical programs. The hypotheses established were tested by correlation, multiple regression, mediating, and moderating analyzes. Results confirmed that emotional intelligence had a positive association with satisfaction with life and a negative association with depression. In addition, interaction analyses found that age and family type had a moderating effect on satisfaction with life, and depression had a mediating effect. After discussing the importance of emotional intelligence as a coping mechanism in dealing with problems, some suggestions were made to policymakers and practitioners.

Emotional intelligence as a contributor to enhancing educators’ quality of life in the COVID-19 era

“…The problems caused by the COVID-19 virus are multifaceted. While the resulting concerns generate health, economic, social, and psychological issues, such challenges also trigger each other ( Koçak, 2021 ). Unemployment, isolation, fear, stress, and anxiety of ill-health, all have a negative impact on psychological health during the pandemic ( Koçak, 2021 ).…”

“…While the resulting concerns generate health, economic, social, and psychological issues, such challenges also trigger each other ( Koçak, 2021 ). Unemployment, isolation, fear, stress, and anxiety of ill-health, all have a negative impact on psychological health during the pandemic ( Koçak, 2021 ). The growing awareness of psychological health and people being more open about it began long before the COVID-19 outbreak, but the current circumstance has accelerated the trend ( Singleton, 2020 ).…”

“…History has showcased that the effect on psychological health from disasters outlasts the physical impact, implying that the present increased psychological health requirement will continue far beyond the COVID-19 outbreak itself ( Panchal et al, 2021 ). As the weight of the crisis begins to lift, health experts predict a long-term impact on people’s psychological health ( Joseph, 2021 ; Koçak, 2021 ). Considering the adverse effect on psychological health and well-being, the need for the implementation of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are imperative for aiding post-traumatic growth ( Lichtman, 2020 ).…”

“…Pavliscak (2018) confirms emotional intelligence is a gateway to a balanced-life as it is essential to every quality of life component. Studies therefore indicate that emotional intelligence can enhance the quality of life, because people feel a sense of well-being when one’s work and lives are meaningful ( Hsiang, 2016 ; Anjum and Swathi, 2017 ; Koçak, 2021 ). The role of the educator continues to be a challenge ( Carroll et al, 2022 ).…”

Optimism and friendship quality as mediators between trait emotional intelligence and life satisfaction in Chinese adolescents: A two-wave longitudinal study

“…Because people with high EI are better able to perceive, understand, use, and manage their feelings and those of others (Mayer & Salovey, 1997 ), they can effectively regulate themselves and others (Mayer & Salovey, 1995 ), which could contribute to well-being (Sánchez-Álvarez et al, 2016 ). Therefore, it could be surmised that good EI could assist in overcoming COVID-19-related stressors by increasing emotional and problem-focused coping skills, facilitating a greater sense of life satisfaction (Koçak, 2021 ). However, few studies have examined the internal mechanism between EI and life satisfaction in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”