Does Emotional Intelligence Predict Depressed Mood? A Structural Equation Model with Elderly People

Abstract

It is widely accepted that older people need to perceive and understand their feelings and believe in their ability to adapt to negative situations or losses that occur in aging. In this study, we examined the relationships among emotional intelligence, coping, and depressed mood, measuring these relationships through a structural equation model (SEM). A total of 215 subjects over 60 years old with no cognitive impairment participated in the study. The results show that emotional intelligence positively predicts problem-focused coping, which in turn negatively predicts depressed mood. However, there is no significant relationship between emotional intelligence and emotion-focused coping, which positively predicts depressed mood. These results indicate that emotionally intelligent people make greater use of problem-focused strategies, and they benefit from them in achieving a positive mood and, therefore, better psychological adjustment, whereas emotional strategies foster depressed mood. It should be noted that emotional intelligence can be seen as an indicator of psychological adjustment and as a precursor of feelings associated with good mental health. Therefore, the implementation of activities that promote emotional intelligence can improve the quality of life of older people.