Assessing the Influence of Self-Esteem and Emotional Intelligence on Psychopathological Symptoms among Trainee Christian Clerics

Abstract

This study was carried out to observe the link between self-esteem, emotional intelligence (EQ) and psychopathology. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. Purposive sampling techniques led to the selection of 466 participants from Redeemed Christian College of Missions, Ede, Osun State and Redeemed Christian Bible College, Mowe Ogun State, Nigeria. The participants responded to Christian Ministers Psychopathological Scale (CMPS), the Self Esteem Questionnaire (SEQ), and Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). The domains of self-esteem had a joint significant predictive influence on psychopathological symptoms among the participants [F (6, 465) = 6.142, p = .000]. Emotional intelligence (EQ) scores significantly predicted levels of psychopathological symptoms among the participants [F (6, 465) = 8.552, p = .004]. Self-esteem and emotional intelligence jointly and significantly predicted psychopathological symptoms among trainee ministers [F (6, 465) = 11.263, p = .000]. Further analysis showed that self-esteem has an independent predictive influence on psychopathological symptoms (β = .183, p = .000). The authors recommend that pastors should pay attention to their mental health. Christian organisations need to create awareness of the benefits of healthy self-esteem and emotional intelligence among both intending and serving ministers to prevent triggers of psychopathologies.