Emotional Intelligence and Addictions: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Since the millennium, an expanding number of research articles have examined the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and physical and mental health. The relationship between EI and addictive disorders has, however, remained relatively well-hidden. We therefore systematically reviewed and critically evaluated the literature on this relationship. We identified 51 articles on the topic of which 36 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Results indicate that a lower level of EI is associated with more intensive smoking, alcohol use, and illicit drug use and two components of EI play a key role in addictions: "decoding and differentiation of emotions" and "regulation of emotions."

Emotional expressivity of alcohol dependent patients in different stages of motivation to refuse alcohol

“…al., 2009). Despite of alcohol-related expectations, alcohol-dependent patients are incapable of identifying and differentiating their emotions as well as controlling them without alcohol intake (Kun, Demetrovics, 2010).…”

Evaluation of Emotional Self-Awareness and Impulse Control in Drug-Dependent Individuals With and Without Borderline Personality Characteristics Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)

“…It seems that emotional intelligence (EI) plays a significant role in coping with social problems. In addition, scant EI is correlated with aggression, depression, and addiction (2), low levels of EI are associated with smoking, substance abuse, and impulsive behaviors (3). Impulsivity is defined as an inability of impulsive behaviors and thoughts.…”

A Meta-Analytic Review of Quantitative Studies on Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

“…In an effort to ascertain whether EI is the sine qua non of leadership, Walter et al (2011) critically reviewed recent empirical studies aiming at constructively framing EI's role in three criteria of leadership research: leadership emergence, leadership effectiveness and leadership behavior. In a similar vein, the present study follows research procedure employed by Gooty et al (2010), Kun and Demetrovics (2010) and Walter et al (2011) in the design and reporting of this systematic review.…”

“…The methodology employed in this qualitative meta-analytic review is inspired by Kun and Demetrovics (2010), Gooty et al (2010) and Walter et al (2011). In the qualitative investigation conducted by Gooty et al (2010), a selective, qualitative review of affect, emotions, and emotional competencies in leadership studies was adopted to examine theory, methods and quality of affect-based scholarship in leadership.…”

“…In the qualitative investigation conducted by Gooty et al (2010), a selective, qualitative review of affect, emotions, and emotional competencies in leadership studies was adopted to examine theory, methods and quality of affect-based scholarship in leadership. The present study was also informed by a comprehensive attempt by Kun and Demetrovics (2010) who qualitatively reviewed and critically discussed literature on the relationship of emotional disregulation and addictive disorders. In an effort to ascertain whether EI is the sine qua non of leadership, Walter et al (2011) critically reviewed recent empirical studies aiming at constructively framing EI's role in three criteria of leadership research: leadership emergence, leadership effectiveness and leadership behavior.…”