Emotional Intelligence and Stress among University Students in The Situation of Covid-19

Abstract

Students' life at university is very chaotic and challenging in the situation of COVID-19. Thus, investigating the stress-protective factors can potentially benefit the students and their academic life. Hence, considering Emotional intelligence (EI) may play a vital role in understanding students' stress. The present study is very crucial as a lack of emotional intelligence in such an unstable situation of COVID-19 may lead to possible failure that can negatively impact students' well-being and future. The main objective of the present study was to examine the link between EI and perceived stress among university students. This was done through a quantitative study of the relationship between EI and stress. A cross-sectional research design to recruit a convenience sample of students from a few public university campuses in Malaysia, with a total respondent of 213 students was used. These students were invited to complete a voluntary and anonymous 38-item online questionnaire. Self-report questionnaires, consisting of the short 16-item measure of emotional intelligence (WLEIS), and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were distributed to these students. Correlation analyses were performed to examine the link between EI and perceived stress (PS). Major findings have shown that there were significant correlations between EI constructs (Selfemotions appraisal, Use of emotion, and Others-emotion appraisal) and PS. Subsequently, independent-sample t-tests showed a not statistically significant difference in mean EI and PS scores between male and female students. In conclusion, the constructs of trait, EI could be of vital importance in understanding stress among university students. The present study suggests that universities may offer EI as among measurements in the selection of their

The Mediating Effect of Digital Literacy and Self-Regulation on the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Academic Stress among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

“…At the outset, the study demonstrated a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and the level of academic stress experienced by health sciences students. These ndings are consistent with several research that sought to examine the correlation between emotional intelligence and academic stress [8] [34] [49] [50]. For instance, a recent study by Majeed et al looked at the relationship between Malaysian university students' perceived stress and emotional intelligence.…”

“…For instance, a recent study by Majeed et al looked at the relationship between Malaysian university students' perceived stress and emotional intelligence. The study discovered a strong relationship between university students' perceptions of stress and emotional intelligence dimensions [34]. Another study conducted among 119 undergraduate students from university of Kerala reported a moderate positive correlation between emotional intelligence and academic stress [33].The ndings aligned with those observed in college students from Pakistan, Morocco, Bangladesh, and Spain [51] [31] [52] [53].…”

“…These studies repeatedly showed a strong and statistically signi cant link between the two concepts. For instance, a study focused on the impact of emotional intelligence on perceived stress among university students found signi cant correlations between emotional intelligence constructs and perceived stress [34]. Another study conducted in colleges of Kerala among 119 undergraduate students indicated that there is a signi cant relationship between emotional intelligence and academic stress [33].…”

“…[31] . Academic stress, which negatively affects psychological health and emotional well-being, is a prominent subject of research in university communities [33] [34]. Several recent studies indicate that it is crucial to maintain academic stress at a level that is appropriate, to ensure that the university experience is ful lling for students [35] [33].…”