Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2018.299

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COPING STRATEGIES AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AMONG PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Marina Perkovic Kovacevic orcid.org/0000-0002-9616-1719 ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Centre Osijek, Osijek, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine, Osijek, Croatia
Ivan Pozgain ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Centre Osijek, Osijek, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine, Osijek, Croatia
Pavo Filakovic ; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Ivana Grujcic ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Centre Osijek, Osijek, Croatia

Abstract

Background: Behavioural investigation has become increasingly more focused on emotional intelligence as researchers strive to understand its influence on various social interactions. Recent research indicates that EI plays an integral role in adopting active and effective coping strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and coping strategies in patients with schizophrenia.
Subjects and methods: The research included 102 stable patients with ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia. The sample consisted of 46 (45.1%) female and 56 (54.9%) male patients, in the 18-55 age range (M=35.54; sd=10.48). All the participants completed the Questionnaire of Emotional Intelligence and Competence (UEK-45) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS).
Results: Data were analysed using the correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. The results showed that emotional intelligence correlates significantly with both task-oriented and avoidance-oriented strategies (including social diversion and distraction). Regression analysis revealed that emotional intelligence can be a significant predictor for these two coping strategies (task-oriented and avoidance-oriented strategies (including social diversion and distraction)).
Conclusion: Patients with lower emotional intelligence mainly use strategies focused on coping with their own emotions. These results may prompt the devising of prevention and treatment programs for patients suffering from schizophrenia. Namely, numerous studies and research on emotional intelligence show that emotional intelligence can be enhanced through learning and behaviour modification at any age.

Keywords

emotional intelligence; coping strategies; schizophrenia

Hrčak ID:

206430

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/206430

Publication date:

1.10.2018.

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