Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem: A Correlational Study among University Students

This research examined the association of emotional intelligence with self-esteem among university students in Quetta, Balochistan. Using a quantitative correlational design, data were collected from 219 students aged 17-30 years through online questionnaires comprising the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results showed a statistically significant but weak positive correlation (r=.21, p<.01) between Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem. This indicates that higher emotional intelligence is linked to higher self-esteem. Regression analysis confirmed Emotional Intelligence as a significant predictor, accounting for 4.3% of Self-Esteem variance. These findings align with the global literature, which highlights the role of Emotional Intelligence in shaping self-concept and psychological adaptation. The study suggests that enhancing Emotional Intelligence in the university can promote healthier self-esteem and emotional functioning. However, limitations include the use of convenience sampling and self-report measures. Future research should explore additional variables to better understand the mechanism of Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem within diverse cultures.