Johnson, Anya; MacCann, Carolyn, Nguyen, Helena, Kunst, Hannah

Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the capacity to perceive, process and express emotions and plays a critical role in regulating self and others’ emotions, particularly in stressful situations. Findings to date on EI and stress reactivity are however conflicting, partly due to differences in stress measurement (e.g., physiological vs self-report) and inconsistent inclusion of confounding factors. Additionally, studies to date have not considered the influence of secondary appraisals when examining the EI-stress relationship. Building on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, this study investigates whether EI influences stress reactivity through the process of appraisal of control. Participants (N = 153) were subjected to the Trier Social Stress Test, and physiological measures (heart rate variability and cortisol) and self-reported stress were measured across several timepoints. Findings indicate that EI relates to greater initial cortisol reactivity, but can decrease overall stress reactivity (self-report, cortisol and heart rate variability) through enhanced appraisal of control, in turn reducing the use of maladaptive coping styles. Important implications for individuals’ stress management, and for EI training and interventions will be discussed.

By the end of the presentation, attendees will be familiar with the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and have an enhanced understanding of the importance of, and mechanisms through which emotional intelligence influences stress reactivity. Finally, attendees have the opportunity to reflect on their own coping strategy use, and to identify how the use of more adaptive coping strategies can be encouraged.

Core concepts and theory will be explained visually and in clear language, to facilitate understanding.
Attendees will be asked to reflect on how they typically manage stressful situations, and whether they have experienced situations appraised as more or less control. This reflection will not only drive understanding, but also application.
After discussion of the results, attendees will be asked to evaluate how they could incorporate these findings in their practice. This will incorporate analysis (of one’s own situation), evaluation of the study’s findings, and facilitate personal development.