A Local Study on Emotional Intelligence

            In the blog I posted on 29 October 2010, I discussed both IQ and EQ, and I concluded that both of them are important.  There is often very little hard evidence, particularly in the Philippine context, that would support such claims.  To be honest, most of the literature I would base my comments upon are studies and texts written by foreign authors, typically from the United States.  However, being a teacher in a local University enables me to be in touch with some research that is being done locally, sometimes even before any results are published in a journal or book. 

           One such study was done by a faculty member from Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro, Dr. Chelo Wapaño.  Essentially, she explored two things:  what were the significant predictors of emotional intelligence and how are adolescents who are emotionally intelligent different from those who are less so. 

            Dr. Chelo conducted her study in Cagayan de Oro City, and involved 300 college students there.  After going through her seemingly technical and complicated study, Dr. Chelo found out that the youngsters were deemed more emotionally intelligent when: 

• Their parents used the authoritative parenting style (as discussed in my post dated 04 February 2011) in bringing them up.  This style entails a child-centered environment that considers the sentiments of the child but also challenges them to give their best and to do more. 
• Adolescents tended to react less negatively to situations.  This means that these children are more positive in their interpretations of circumstance and events in their lives.  They are more willing to give themselves and others the benefit of the doubt.  
• The youth are more willing to exert some effort in containing their emotional reactions before they fully express them.  They are more thoughtful in what they eventually show to others. 

             The study also found out that the Filipino adolescents who were judged to be more emotionally intelligent (have higher EQ’s) tended to: 

• Feel that they are able to deal with their situations more effectively.  They have a better sense of effectiveness in dealing with the circumstances that they confronted. 
• Display habits and characteristics related to psychological resiliency (as explained in my post dated 03 June 2011).  They are better able to cope with both everyday hassles and tragic adversities. 
• Have less bouts with depression and anxiety, the two most prevalent mental health issues. 

             So, there it is.  We now have empirical evidence in the local setting that emotional intelligence or EQ is an important factor that leads to psychological resiliency and stress resistance.  Although it is more easily developed among children who have a basic temperament of emotional control and optimism, the style of parenting used also influences its development in a person.  Using the authoritative style of parenting is the best style in nurturing this among our young.