Emotional Intelligence And Empathy: Predictors Of Counselor's General Health

Abstract

This study explores the role of emotional intelligence and empathy on the general health of counselors in the Accra metropolis. The aim of the study is to determine the predictive relationship between emotional intelligence, empathy, and general health and to identify demographic predictors on emotional intelligence, empathy, and general health. In a cross-sectional case study, 133 purposively selected counselors from Accra Metropolis were administered an online self-report survey questionnaire that consisted of Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, Empathy Scale and General Health Questionnaire. Findings revealed that emotional intelligence and empathy significantly predict general health. A significant positive correlation exists between emotional intelligence and general health, while a clinical significance of a positive correlation exists between emotional intelligence and empathy. Again, no significant difference was found between the general health of male and female counselors. No significant difference was found in the scores for empathy and emotional intelligence for licensed professional counselors and licensed lay counselors. Since safeguarding the counselor’s health is ethically imperative due to the effect on professional competence, it is recommended that counselors and training institutions deepen effort in creating awareness on the need to protect the health of counselors for the benefit of clients and the high regard of the counseling profession.