On the relationship between emotional intelligence and its components with symptomsof anxiety

Recent theories and researches have investigated the role of emotional dysfunction in individuals with anxiety disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and its components and anxiety symptoms in students.This descriptive and correlational research was done during 2009-2010. The sample consisted of 184 master students from three groups of humanities, technical-engineering and basic science of Shiraz University which was selected randomly. Emotional intelligence and anxiety symptoms were assessed by Trait Meta Mood Scale (TMMS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively. Pearson's correlation and multiple regression were used for data analysis. There was a significant reverse relationship between the general scores of emotional intelligence and anxiety symptoms (P<0.001). There were significant reverse relationships between emotional intelligence components (clarity and repair) and anxiety symptoms too (P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that clarity of feelings and emotional repair could predict anxiety symptoms.Emotional intelligence is reversely related to symptoms of anxiety and clarity of feelings and emotional repair are capable to predict anxiety symptoms.