Structural equation model of relationship between emotional intelligence, cognitive triad and mental health

The purpose of present study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and mental health with mediation of cognitive triad (the negative attitude to self, world, and future). Participants consisted of 400 undergraduate students at Shiraz University which were selected using a random multi-stage cluster sampling method. They completed the emotional intelligence questionnaire (Petrides & Furnham, 2001), General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg &Willams,1979), and The Cognitive Triad Inventory (Beckham et al., 1986) in their regular classes. Data were analyzed in a structural equation modeling pattern using AMOS software. The findings showed that the direct effect of emotional intelligence on mental health was significant. The relationship between cognitive triad and mental health was negative and statistically significant. Moreover, emotional intelligence had indirect effect on mental health through cognitive triad as a mediator. Applying Bootstrap test showed that the mediating role of cognitive triad was significant.