Bidirectional Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Perceptions of Resilience in Young Adolescents: A Twenty-Month Longitudinal Study

Yuanxia Zheng¹,Dan Cai1,Jia-Lin Zhao²,Caiyun Yang2,Tian Xia³,Zhening Xu⁴

Child & Youth Care Forum,2020

【摘要】Background Though many empirical studies have shown the positive relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience, the bidirectional relationship need to be further explored. Moreover, little research uses holistic approaches to study the relationship among a series of contextual variables, EI and perceptions of resilience in adolescents.

Objective The present study investigated the bidirectional relationship between EI and perceptions of resilience in adolescents and explored the effect of contextual variables on their development.

Method In a three-wave, longitudinal study, 988 students of sixth graders (mean age of 11.38 years) completed the Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Shanghai High School Student Development-Questionnaire to investigate EI, perceptions of resilience and contextual factors, respectively. A structural equation modeling (SEM) examining the relationship among EI, perceptions of resilience and contextual factors was conducted.

Results SEM indicated EI and perceptions of resilience at T1 (frst semester in sixth grade) predicted EI and perceptions of resilience at T2 (second semester in sixth grade), respectively. EI at T2 can predict perception of resilience at T3 (second semester of seventh grade), but perceptions of resilience at T2 cannot predict EI at T3. As a protective factor, social support positively predicts EI and perceptions of resilience, while family conflicts,school bullying as risk factors negatively predict EI and perceptions of resilience.

Conclusions The findings clarified the bidirectional relationship between EI and perceptions of resilience and highlighted the importance of contextual factors. Particularly, good quality of environment such as sufficient social support, combating school bullying and mitigating family conflicts is required to improve adolescents’ EI and resilience to help them cope with the challenges.

【关键词】Emotional intelligence;Perceptions of resilience;Young adolescents;Longitudinal study