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The relationship between emotional intelligence and optimism: A meta-analysis
Sarah L Glassie1, Nicola S Schutte1
1School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
Summary
Higher emotional intelligence (EI) is linked to greater optimism and positive life outcomes. This meta-analysis of 6889 participants confirms EI is a foundation for optimism, impacting mental and physical health.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Positive Psychology
Background:
- Optimism, the general expectation of positive future events, is linked to improved mental and physical health outcomes.
- These benefits include reduced depression, enhanced immune function, and lower mortality rates.
- Emotional intelligence (EI), characterized by adaptive emotional functioning, is hypothesized as a potential foundation for optimism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the empirical relationship between emotional intelligence and optimism.
- To quantify the association across diverse populations and study designs.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted, synthesizing data from 25 independent samples.
- The total participant pool comprised 6889 individuals.
- The association between EI and optimism was statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between higher emotional intelligence and greater optimism.
- The weighted effect size (r) for this relationship was 0.35 (p < .001).
- Factors such as measurement methods and participant nationality were identified as moderators of the effect size.
Conclusions:
- Emotional intelligence is a significant predictor of optimism.
- Findings support the role of EI as a foundational element for optimistic outlooks.
- Results have implications for developing interventions within positive psychology to foster optimism and well-being.
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