Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Psychopathology: An Exploration in Elderly People

Abstract

A rising number of elderly people face increased exposure to psychological health issues especially depression and anxiety while dealing with other psychopathological conditions. The ability of emotional awareness and regulation strategies combined with interpersonal skills working to develop emotional intelligence acts as security elements for building psychological resilience. The research evaluates how emotional intelligence affects the way psychopathological symptoms develop and how severe they become among elderly adults. We used both the TEIQue-SF and SCL-90-R standardized instruments to evaluate psychopathological symptomatology in 210 elderly people above age 60 from urban and rural areas through a cross-sectional survey. Correlation analysis and multiple regression approaches enabled researchers to prove the relationships that exist between emotional intelligence domains (emotional regulation, social skills, self-awareness) and psychopathological symptoms of depression, anxiety, somatization and interpersonal sensitivity and hostility. A negative statistical relationship existed between total emotional intelligence scores and psychopathological symptoms scores (r = -0.62, p < 0.01) which indicates positive correlations between higher EI scores and reduced psychopathological symptoms. Emotional regulation emerged as the best indicator among factors that reduced depression and anxiety levels. The study demonstrates how elderly adults require emotional intelligence training because this education acts as a drug-free approach to improve their mental health. These relationships received findings which indicated that both social support and gender together with living arrangements influenced their effects. The investigation adds to geriatric psychology research by demonstrating emotional capabilities' capability to protect mental health against decline in elderly demographics. Research needs to move forward tracking participants over time and implementing intervention programs to prove cause and effect relationships. These findings offer practical guidance to policymakers as well as mental health providers and facilities operating in geriatric care who want to develop emotionally supportive environments for senior citizens.

Keywords:Emotional Intelligence, Psychopathology, Elderly, Depression, Anxiety, Mental Health, Emotional Regulation, Aging, Well-being, Geriatric Psychology