Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and the Academic Achievement among College Students

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is considered as a successful predictor of academic achievement. Researchers have claimed that EI predicts success in schools/colleges/universities. The present study is an attempt in this direction. Three hundred Post-graduate girl Psychology students, studying at Indian Institute of Psychological Research, Bangalore, constituted as a sample for the present study. The students were administered with Emotional Intelligence Scale to measure their EI. EI score were compared with final semester examination marks. EI in its five domains such as Self-recognition, Self-regulation, Self-motivation, Empathy and Handling relations was positively associated with academic achievement. Over all EI score showed that 23% of the students were emotionally intelligent and excellent on academic achievement. Students, who were high on EI, were academically excellent. Results clearly indicated that there is a significant difference (P > 0.0001) existing between the EI and academic achievement among college students. EI played a major role in promoting academic achievement among college students. Also, the study has brought out the fact that the emotional well being could be emphasized on academic achievement