Trait Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing During the Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Meaning-Centered Coping

Abstract

Studies investigating the COVID-19 pandemic from a psychological point of view have mostly focused on psychological distress. This study adopts the framework of existential positive psychology, a second wave of positive psychology that emphasizes the importance of effective coping with the negative aspects of living in order to achieve greater wellbeing. Trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) can be crucial in this context as it refers to emotion-related personality dispositions concerning the understanding and regulation of one’s emotions and those of others. The present study investigated the relationship between trait EI and both wellbeing and psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress), while exploring the mediating role of meaning-centered coping (proactive transformative strategies based on meaning in life) and maladaptive coping (i.e., behavioral disengagement and self-blame) during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 326 Lebanese adults completed measures of trait EI, wellbeing, psychological distress, coping, and meaning-centered coping. Results showed a strong positive correlation between trait EI and meaning-centered coping. Trait EI also correlated positively with wellbeing and negatively with psychological distress. Structural equation modeling showed that meaning-centered coping partially mediated the relationship between trait EI and wellbeing. Maladaptive coping fully mediated the relationship between trait EI and psychological distress. Findings indicate that trait EI is positively related to dealing with a stressful situation such as the pandemic in positive ways at both the cognitive level, by reformulating the situation to see something valuable in it, and behavioral level, by being proactive about it. Trait EI was positively linked to seeing the situation as an opportunity for personal growth, finding personal meaning in this situation, maintaining an attitude of hope and courage, and acting more responsibly with one’s self and others during the current crisis. In turn, this coping formula was related to lower psychological distress and improved mental health. These results are consistent with the existential positive psychology framework and can inform implementation programs and policies aiming at raising awareness and promoting healthy and successful coping during the pandemic.

Emotional Intelligence and Academic Self-Efficacy in Relation to the Psychological Well-Being of University Students During COVID-19 in Venezuela

“…It can be stated that the results are congruent with other studies conducted in Venezuela during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically regarding adequate levels of academic self-efficacy (Romero et al, 2021); however, our results differ from that of the study conducted by Giménez and Medici (2021) regarding emotional intelligence skills. Our results are also congruent with international evidence suggesting that selfefficacy, emotional understanding, and regulation skills may be protective factors for mental health and well-being during a pandemic (Persich et al, 2021;Sabouripour et al, 2021;Sánchez-Ruiz et al, 2021); additionally, in this study, emotional perception established a proportional inverse relationship with psychological well-being, which is congruent with other studies before the pandemic (Extremera and Fernández-Berrocal, 2006;Extremera et al, 2009).…”

“…It has aided in the development of resilience, well-being, and mental health in Spanish students during the COVID-19 pandemic ( Bartos et al, 2021 ). Specifically, emotional intelligence is a predictor of psychological well-being, enabling healthier coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic by avoiding emotional distress ( Sánchez-Ruiz et al, 2021 ). Some experimental studies based on emotional intelligence and mindfulness in university students report a decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms during the confinement period ( Sturgill et al, 2021 ).…”

The Relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Problematic Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Serial Mediation Model

“…Our results were consistent with previous findings. The maladaptive coping strategies was found to be correlated with the reduction in subjective well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 67 , 68 , 69 ]. Previous literature suggested that those who reported higher levels of well-being tend to have less attachment to their smartphone, and experienced less fear of missing out [ 70 ].…”

Emotional intelligence and coping strategies among intensive care unit nurses

“…There are some studies on the relationship between EI and coping with stress in nurses and other health care professionals 6,20–23 and some in nursing students 20,24,25 . There are only a few studies which address EI and stress in nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic 26–28 . Thus, we wanted to examine how EI influences ICU nurses and their coping strategies, and this study aimed to assess the level of EI, coping strategies, and the relationship between these variables among adult ICU nurses in Poland.…”

“…20,24,25 There are only a few studies which address EI and stress in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. [26][27][28] Thus, we wanted to examine how EI influences ICU nurses and their coping strategies, and this study aimed to assess the level of EI, coping strategies, and the relationship between these variables among adult ICU nurses in Poland.…”