Emotional Intelligence, Mental Health, and Coping Mechanisms among undergraduate students in Sri Lankan Universities

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence, mental health, coping mechanisms, and gender among Sri Lankan university students. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from a convenience sample of 300 Sri Lankan university students from three universities in Sri Lanka. Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Emotional Intelligence Scale, coping mechanisms were assessed using the Brief COPE Inventory, and mental health was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory-5. The study found that emotional intelligence was significantly positively associated with mental health and this relationship was partially mediated by coping mechanisms and moderated by gender. Emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms were significant predictors of mental health, with emotional intelligence having a greater effect. The findings suggest that emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms are important for maintaining good mental health among university students, and gender should be considered in interventions aimed at promoting these factors.