Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Satisfaction with Life in University Students

The validity of a new resilience scale: the Japan Resilience Scale (J-RS) for mothers with a focus on cultural aspects

BACKGROUND

Resilience has been recognized as a potential outcome for preserving mental health and preventing postpartum depression. Social connection and emotional regulation have been identified as possible factors in resilience from social and cultural perspectives. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a scale that is adapted to the Japanese cultural milieu.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the validity and reliability of the new resilience scale, questionnaires were administered to mothers raising children aged 0-5 years.

METHODS

The Japan Resilience Scale (J-RS) is a newly created, 25-item, self-report scale designed to assess resilience. The J-RS includes six subscales (Joy, Anger, Apprehension, Grief, Fear, and Social connection) that are rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0-4). To validate the J-RS, data were collected from 238 mothers (mean age 35.3 ± 4.7 years), and its relationships with other measures, such as the Resilience Scale (RS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, were examined. Internal consistency (reliability) of the J-RS was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the final model was determined via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Multiple logistic regression analysis was then used to identify depressive symptoms using the CES-D.

RESULTS

A total of 238 mothers, with 18.5% exhibiting depressive symptoms, were analyzed. The mean J-RS score was 61.3 ± 14.2. J-RS was positively correlated with RS (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) and negatively with CES-D (r = -0.62, p < 0.01). These results demonstrate the construct validity of the J-RS. CFA confirmed the six-factor model's good fit for emotion and social connection. The J-RS was effective in distinguishing individuals at risk of depression (AUC = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.91). At a cutoff of 59/60, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 84.1%, 63.9%, 34.6%, and 94.7% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The J-RS appears to be the optimal index for assessing resilience, and would allow screening for postpartum depression among Japanese mothers. This study also showed that emotional control and social connectedness are important components of resilience.

Examining the links between sense of belonging, conflict resolution skills, emotional intelligence, and life satisfaction in Chinese universities

BACKGROUND

This study explores the interrelationships among emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, sense of belonging, and life satisfaction among university students in Mainland China. Drawing from Baumeister and Leary's theory of belongingness, this research examines both the direct and indirect effects of emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills on life satisfaction, with sense of belonging serving as a mediator.

METHODS

A sample of 369 university students completed validated self-report measures assessing emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, sense of belonging, and life satisfaction during the 2023-2024 academic year. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships.

RESULTS

The results revealed significant positive direct effects of both emotional intelligence (β = 0.32, p <.01) and conflict resolution skills (β = 0.27, p <.01) on life satisfaction. Additionally, sense of belonging significantly mediated the effects of both emotional intelligence (β = 0.19, p <.01) and conflict resolution skills (β = 0.18, p <.01) on life satisfaction, underscoring the importance of social integration in student well-being.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that students with higher emotional intelligence and effective conflict resolution skills experience greater life satisfaction, partly due to an enhanced sense of belonging. These results have significant theoretical and practical implications for educational institutions aiming to foster student well-being by advocating for interventions that promote emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, and a supportive, inclusive campus environment.

Predictors of Life Satisfaction in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander College Students

This study examines predictors of life satisfaction in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NH/PI) college students, who form an underrepresented group in well-being research. In a sample of 128 NH/PI students from a public university in Hawaii, self-report measures of life satisfaction, affect, stress, and mood were analyzed. The results indicate that positive affect and mood are significant positive predictors for life satisfaction, while negative affect predicts lower satisfaction. By contrast with other racial/ethnic groups, perceived stress did not significantly impact life satisfaction in NH/PI students. These findings suggest that emotional well-being is a key determinant for life satisfaction in NH/PI students, and stress is not. Culturally responsive interventions that focus on positive emotions and community support can enhance well-being and academic success in this population. This study contributes to the understanding of unique cultural influences on well-being in NH/PI students and provides implications for targeted interventions.

Exploring the synergy between emotional intelligence and self-esteem among university students in Ghana

BACKGROUND

The need for educational institutions to create a conducive learning environment for participation of all students in school activities is one of the pillars advocated under Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. While there are structures institutionalized to promote students' well-being, universities are faced with a myriad of challenges which can negatively impact mental health and disrupt the overall learning experiences of students. This study explored the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem which have been found to influence the mental health of students.

METHOD

Informed by the cross-sectional design, one thousand and twenty (N = 1020) university students were recruited to self-report their Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem. The participants completed the Schutte Emotional Intelligence scale and the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem scale. The data were validated using confirmatory factor analysis, means were computed, followed by multivariate analysis of variance and hierarchical multiple regression.

RESULTS

The study showed that participants were ambivalent on both EI and self-esteem. The hypothesized relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem was supported by the study findings. More so, demographic variables such as gender, religion and programme of study provided further insight into Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem of participants.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the researchers of this study called on educators and university administrators to prioritize the Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem of students in mental health interventions. The need for partnership between administrators and religious leaders and other study implications, are discussed.

Resilience and emotional intelligence as mediators between personal values and life satisfaction among Chinese young adults

Background

Young adults are in the period of the formation and establishment of values. Even though previous research has revealed that personal values are important factors influencing young adults' life satisfaction, it is still unknown when and under what circumstances values affect life satisfaction among young adults. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between personal values and life satisfaction among Chinese young adults, focusing on the mediating roles of resilience and emotional intelligence.

Methods

A sample of N = 635 (271 male) young adults from four universities located in Guangzhou were recruited using a cross-sectional stratified sampling method. All participants completed the Revised Portrait Value Questionnaire, Emotional Intelligence Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Brief Resilience Scale.

Results

Results revealed that: (1) self-transcendence (r = 0.29, p < 0.001), self-enhancement (r = 0.27, p < 0.001), openness to change (r = 0.22, p < 0.001), and conservation (r = 0.26, p < 0.001) were differentially positively associated with life satisfaction. Chain mediation analysis found that: there was a significant indirect effect for self-transcendence, via EI (ind = 0.070, p = 0.004, 95% CI = [0.027, 0.124]), and the sequential influence via EI and resilience suggested a moderate effect (ind = 0.024, p = 0.008, 95% CI = [0.009, 0.045]). For self-enhancement values exerted significantly negative indirect effects on LS via resilience (ind = -0.029, p = 0.034, 95% CI = [-0.060, -0.005]). Openness to change had a significant indirect impact on LS via EI (ind = 0.086, p < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.046, 0.133]), and the sequential influence via resilience and EI was significant (ind = 0.029, p = 0.001, 95% CI = [0.015, 0.050]). For conservation, the chain mediation model did not reveal any significant indirect effects via resilience or EI.

Conclusion

Our findings extend the current literature on personal values and life satisfaction, highlighting the significant effects of resilience and emotional intelligence on the link between personal values and life satisfaction. Overall, this research helps young adults strengthen their resilience and emotional intelligence to increase the impact of values on life satisfaction.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Youth Sports Participation on Emotional Intelligence, Self-Esteem, and Life Satisfaction

The present study investigated the mediating effects of emotional intelligence and self-esteem between youth sports participation and life satisfaction, as well as the comparative effects of different types of sports involvement (team, individual, and non-participation) on these selected variables. A sample of 1053 Portuguese adolescents (612 girls and 441 boys), aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.40; SD = 1.55), completed the following self-report measures: the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The structural equation modeling results indicated a complete mediating role of two emotional intelligence dimensions (use of emotion and self-emotional appraisal) and self-esteem in the relationship between sports participation and adolescents' life satisfaction. Team sport participants reported higher emotional intelligence and self-esteem scores than their non-sport participant counterparts who revealed lower levels of emotion use than their individual sport participant peers. These findings provide novel insights into the potential emotional and psychological mechanisms underlying the association between youth sports participation and life satisfaction.

Interstitial Lung Disease Is Associated with Sleep Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate sleep disorders and associated factors in patients with rheumatoid-arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

METHODS

We performed an observational study of 35 patients with RA-ILD (cases) and 35 age- and sex-matched RA patients without ILD (controls). We evaluated sleep disorders (Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire), positive psychological factors (resilience using the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale, emotional intelligence using the 24-item Trait Meta-Mood Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), quality of life (36-item short-form survey), and fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Questionnaire). Other variables studied included the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and RA activity according to the DAS28-ESR.

RESULTS

Compared to the controls, the cases were characterized by poorer sleep quality with a higher prevalence of insomnia (42% vs. 20%; p = 0.039), greater severity of insomnia (p = 0.001), and lower sleep satisfaction (p = 0.033). They also had poorer resilience and emotional recovery and more severe anxiety and depression. A diagnosis of ILD was the only factor independently associated with the three dimensions of sleep quality. The predictors of poorer sleep satisfaction in patients with RA-ILD were age (β = -0.379), DAS28-ESR (β = -0.331), and usual interstitial pneumonia pattern (β = -0.438). The predictors of insomnia were DAS28-ESR (β = 0.294), resilience (β = -0.352), and CCI (β = 0.377).

CONCLUSIONS

RA-ILD is associated with significant sleep disorders. RA-ILD seems to be an independent risk factor for sleep alterations, with a greater impact on insomnia. Age, disease activity, and comorbidity also play a role in sleep disorders in patients with RA-ILD.

Can Emotional Intelligence Increase the Positive Psychological Capital and Life Satisfaction of Chinese University Students?

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to dramatic changes in the learning environment and living conditions of college students, who face enormous psychological challenges in the ubiquitous AI environment. Modern student-management research has focused on developing mechanisms for enhancing life satisfaction, alleviating emotional anxiety, and improving self-confidence. This study aims to investigate the influence of participation in cultural and artistic activities on college students' life satisfaction. Through a questionnaire survey and data analysis of 708 college students, this study found a significant positive relationship between participation in cultural and artistic activities and college students' life satisfaction. Further mediation analysis showed that positive psychological capital played a mediating role between participation in cultural and artistic activities and life satisfaction. Additionally, emotional intelligence was found to play a moderating role in this relationship, and college students with higher emotional intelligence had a more significant effect on positive psychological capital in terms of participation in cultural and artistic activities. The results of this study herein provide a new understanding of life satisfaction research among college students and offer practical guidance for promoting college students' mental health and psychological well-being. This research also demonstrates the importance of participation in cultural and artistic activities and encourages college students to be active therein to enhance their psychological capital and improve life satisfaction. Furthermore, the cultivation and enhancement of emotional intelligence is emphasized as a key factor for college students to improve their psychological well-being through cultural and artistic activities.