The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Wellbeing of Undergraduates of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Abstract

Area of the Study

This study seeks to explore the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and psychological wellbeing of management undergraduates of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura as a contemporary topic among the scholars.

Problem of the Study

There is an empirical and knowledge gap in the Sri Lankan context on the relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well being of undergraduates. This study is aimed to reveal the relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well being of management undergraduates in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Method of the Study

The data were collected from 120 undergraduates (60 males and 60 females) and stratified sampling method was used to categorize the population, department wise and then the simple random sampling procedure was used for selecting the sample from the departments to collect data. Structured questionnaire which consisted Singh’s (2006) 22 items scenario based EI quotient and Ryff’s (1989) 42 items psychological wellbeing questionnaire were administered. Pearson Product Moment of Coefficient of Correlation and One Way Anova was used in order to find out the relationship of EI with psychological wellbeing of undergraduates.

Findings of the Study

This study found out that emotional intelligence is positively correlated with psychological well being. Moreover, emotional intelligence is positively correlated with each dimension of psychological wellbeing namely self acceptance, purpose in life, positive relations, personal growth, environmental mastery and autonomy.

Conclusion of the Study

It is concluded that the greater emotional intelligence is positively correlated with high level of psychological wellbeing of management undergraduates. Further, this research supported the view that emotionally intelligent undergraduates enjoy greatest happiness in their life.

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Wellbeing, Self Acceptance, Purpose in Life, Personal Growth