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Effects of Emotional Intelligence on Psychological Distress: Mediating Role of Psychological Vulnerability among Pakistani University Students

Abstract

This study aimed to study the effect of emotional intelligence on the mental distress of university students in Pakistan, keeping in mind the mediating role of psychological vulnerability. In this study, a quantitative research approach was selected to investigate the relationships between emotional intelligence, psychological vulnerability, and psychological distress among university students in Pakistan. The research team collected data from a diverse group of 430 university students across various institutions in Pakistan through a research questionnaire. After data collection, the information was entered into SPSS for analysis, utilizing statistical techniques such as t-tests, ANOVA, and mediation analysis via the PROCESS macro. This comprehensive methodology facilitated the testing of a theoretical model, examining relationships between variables within the study. AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan were excluded as we had no access to these areas. Emotional Intelligence was measured using the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale mental distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and psychological vulnerability was measured using the Psychological Vulnerability Scale. Mediation analysis revealed that the effect of emotional intelligence on psychological distress was enhanced by the presence of psychological vulnerability. This study clarifies the distress and its impact on emotional intelligence.

Keywords

Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Vulnerability, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Mediation, Pakistan, University students, pls sem

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Author Biography

Adan Binte Mustafa

Adan Binte Mustafa is a Visiting Lecturer at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, KPK, Pakistan

Amnah Ejaz

Amnah Ejaz is lecturer at Foundation University Islamabad, Pakistan


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