The Role of Trait Emotional Intelligence in Buffering
Kuzmuk, Kellie M.
:
2014
Abstract
Narrowing in on coping and stress management aspects of trait emotional intelligence,
this study aims to explore how emotional intelligence may be related to buffering, which
is one’s ability to subjectively shield off stress. Building on a previous study, it also aims
to disentangle whether trait emotional intelligence alone influences buffering or whether
a state interaction, such as positive mood is also required to induce buffering. The study
was divided into two parts and consisted of 45 Vanderbilt undergraduate students. The
study found marginally significant results regarding emotional intelligence (specifically,
clarity and attention) improving task performance and stress recovery when interacting
with mood condition. Although the results fail to support the main hypothesis, they offer
promising insights for future studies.