The relationship between emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, and student achievement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Emotional and spiritual intelligence are crucial factors in enhancing individuals’ knowledge and academic achievement. This study aims to examine the correlation between spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence, and student achievement through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials and methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SID, and Google Scholar databases from 2007 to December 2022. The effect sizes (EF) included the mean and standard deviation of emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, and student achievement and correlation coefficients among spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence, and student achievement. Random effects models were used to pool the results, and the Q test and I2 index were employed to assess heterogeneity. Correlation coefficients were transformed into standard data (Z) using log transformation. Results: The overall mean score of educational achievement in university and school students was 15.91 (95% CI: 15.26–16.78). The mean scores of spiritual and emotional intelligence were 138.27 (95% CI: 129.19-147.35) and 128.94 (95% CI: 117.08–140.80), respectively. The correlation coefficients between spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence, and student achievement were r = 0.36 (95% CI: 0.18–0.51) and r = 0.50 (95% CI: 0.28–0.67), respectively. Conclusions: Emotional and spiritual intelligence are independent predictive factors in educational achievement for university and school students. Therefore, improvements in emotional and spiritual intelligence can promote students’ academic achievement.