Effects of Psychological Capital, Coping Style and Emotional Intelligence on Self-Rated Health Status of College Students in China During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship between the self-reported health status, emotional coping style, emotional intelligence and positive psychological state of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The questionnaires of Self-rated Health Measurement Scale (SRHMS), Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ)were used for online survey. The study included 367 undergraduates. Results Male undergraduates had significantly higher psychological capital scores than female (P < 0.05), and those without siblings had significantly higher emotional intelligence and psychological capital scores than those with (P < 0.05). The students from urban had significantly higher emotional intelligence scores than those from rural (P < 0.05). Students who spent less than 3 hours online per day had significantly higher self-rated health scores than those spending 6 hours online per day (P < 0.05), and those who spent 3–6 hours online per day was significantly higher psychological capital scores than those who spent more than 6 hours online per day (P < 0.05). The interaction between emotional intelligence, psychological capital and coping styles was statistically significant (β=-0.045,P < 0.05) in health status with coping style ranking the top (β = 21.277). Conclusion: Sex, having siblings or not, birth place and online time per day affected health status, emotional intelligence, and psychological capital in undergraduate students. Coping style is a main positive factor that affects health, which was modified by emotional intelligence and psychological capital. In this pandemic emergency, positive coping style with optimistic emotional perception and understanding is an important measure against the pandemic-induced health problem.

Prevalence and predictors of anxiety, depression and stress among university students during the period of the first lockdown in Germany

“…Little research has also been done on protective factors (e.g., psychological capital, coping strategies, mindfulness, self-efficacy) in student samples. So far, one study showed a positive effect of psychological capital on the health status of college students during COVID-19 pandemic (Jing et al, 2021). In regard of coping strategies, Wasil et al (2021) found that behavioural activation as a coping strategy was negatively related to depression.…”

The Impacts of Emotional Intelligence on Students’ Study Habits in Blended Learning Environments: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Engagement during COVID-19

“…As Cleary et al [ 19 ] explained, emotional intelligence guides the cognition drive in student academic life. Studies on emotional intelligence have received much attention over the last two decades in the Chinese context [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Moreover, recent studies have concentrated on the influence of emotional intelligence on behaviors and the role of training in social skills challenges in the twenty-first century [ 25 ].…”

“…Emotional intelligence is an important factor in helping students perceive emotions properly and in understanding the emotions of themselves and others. The emotional intelligence dimension regulates emotions through various strategies, and alleviates stressful situations through emotional intelligence knowledge [ 24 , 36 ]. In a difficult situation, a person with a good level of emotional intelligence can handle others well.…”

Effect of Emotional Intelligence Based Training Program on Burnout, Psychological Capital and Job Performance among Psychiatric Nurses

“…People with low emotional intelligence, on the other hand, are more prone to stress and burnout. (Jing et al, 2021). A person's good mental attitude displayed when they are growing and developing is referred to as their psychological capital.…”

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