Family functioning and trait emotional intelligence among youth

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Trait emotional intelligence (TEI) is crucial for social interactions and well-being.
• Family functioning significantly influences adolescent development.
• Cross-cultural research on TEI and family dynamics is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between family functioning and trait emotional intelligence in a diverse youth sample.
• To explore how family adaptability and cohesion relate to emotional intelligence in adolescents and young adults.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 547 participants aged 16-24 years.
• Utilized the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale III (FACES III) and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Short Form (TEIQue-SF).
• Employed Pearson correlation analysis to examine relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between family functioning and trait emotional intelligence.
• Higher levels of family adaptability and cohesion were associated with higher TEI scores.
• This relationship was consistent across diverse cultural backgrounds.

Conclusions:

• Family functioning is a significant predictor of trait emotional intelligence in youth.
• Interventions aimed at improving family dynamics may enhance emotional intelligence development.
• Findings have implications for parents, educators, and mental health professionals supporting youth emotional development.