We Are What We Do: Trait and Ability Emotional Intelligence as Predictors of Adolescent Resilience

Previous research indicates that resilience is correlated with Emotional Intelligence (EI), although limited studies examining adaptation to stress have measured both trait and ability EI. This study examined the relative roles of trait and ability EI in the prediction of resilience in adolescents. The total sample consisted of 112 Australian secondary school students who were completing Year 10 at the time of participation. There were 53 (47.3%) males and 59 (52.7%) females of ages ranging from 14 – 16 years (M = 15.04, SD = .36). The Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents (RSCA), Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test – Youth Research Version, and Adolescent Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence Test were administered to participants via an online survey under the supervision of a classroom teacher. Linear multiple regressions showed that only trait EI was predictive of mastery, relatedness, and emotional reactivity components of the RSCA. According to our findings, utilising emotional recognition, expression, understanding and management more often is related to increased resilience. These findings emphasise trait EI as a personal resource regarding the development of resilience in adolescence over ability EI and suggest that fostering perceived competence of emotion-related behaviours in a range of contexts could be beneficial for adolescent resilience outcomes.