Relaciones entre inteligencia emocional, agresividad y satisfacción vital en universitarios

Abstract

In recent years research has shown that a deficit in emotional intelligence affects the psychological wellbeing and determines the occurrence of behavioral problems and interpersonal problems. Improper handling of emotions is related to aggressive behavior. Recent studies such as Garaigordobil y Oñederra, (2010) and Inglés et al. (2014) have shown a negative relationship between emotional intelligence and aggression in adolescents. On the other hand, from the perspective of positive psychology, they are investigating the competences that promote well-being and life satisfaction. From this perspective, emotional intelligence is the ability that allows a more positive outlook on life (Salovey, 2006). This study analyzes the relationship of emotional intelligence with two variables: aggressive behavior (physical aggression, verbal, anger and hostility) and life satisfaction. A total of 430 university students from various degrees participated in this study. This study also aims to analyze the role that the dimensions of emotional intelligence (attention, clarity and repair) have to predict aggressiveness and life satisfaction. The instruments used were the Trait Meta Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24) (Fernández Berrocal, Extremera y Ramos, 2004), the Rules-Demands Scale (ENE) (Fuentes, Motrico y Bersabé, 1999), the Life satisfaction scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen y Griffin, 1985) and Aggression questionnaire (Buss y Perry, 1992). The results indicate differences when comparing the emotional attention with the clarity and emotional repair. The dimension of emotional attention is a negative relationship with life satisfaction and positively with anger and hostility. The dimensions of the clarity and emotional repair are positively related to life satisfaction and negatively with aggression.