Emotional intelligence, coping style, and social support as predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder

Psychosocial factors operating during or after traumatic events are among the strongest predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder. Lower emotional intelligence has been linked to a range of mental health problems, but its role in psychological adaptation to trauma is unclear. This study evaluated trait emotional intelligence, coping style and social support as predictors of trauma symptomatology in 144 search and rescue volunteers. Emotional intelligence and social support were not associated with symptoms; the strongest predictor was maladaptive coping (R2 = 0.35). Despite limitations, this study raises questions about the utility of the emotional intelligence construct in predicting posttraumatic stress disorder.