Is There a Difference in EI Scores Between Problem Focused Copers and Emotion Focused Copers When Individuals are Stressed?

Abstract

The relationship between EI and coping in stress was examined in a random sample taken from the general population. It was hypothesised that EI related to coping in stress. There were 201 participants in the study and each participant completed a questionnaire comprising of the COPE scale, Schutte's Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale. Five separate t-tests were used in order to explore whether there was a relationship between EI and coping in stress. Results indicated that this relationship was significant. The findings of this study provide valid theoretically based evidence in support of the hypothesis. It shows that a significant relationship occurs within a general sample when measuring EI, coping and stress. Further research in this area may be helpful in order for the construct of EI to be improved as well as exploring its relationship with stress and coping more fully.