Emotional Intelligence in Alcohol Dependent and Mentally Healthy Individuals: A Case-control study

Abstract

Aim: To assess emotional intelligence in patients with alcohol dependence and its comparison with control subjects.Materials and Methods: In this case- control study, based on purposive sampling technique, 30 patients with alcohol dependence were selected from the Deaddiction Clinic of Govt. Medical College Kottayam and 30 matched control subjects were selected from Medical and Surgical wards of Govt. Medical College Kottayam. The diagnosis of alcohol dependence was based on ICD-10 DCR criteria. Both the groups were matched on various sociodemographic parameters, that is, age, gender, and educational level. All participants were assessed with Mangal Emotional Intelligence Inventory. The study also explored into the relationship between emotional intelligence and the age at onset of alcohol use. Obtained responses were scored by using standard scoring procedures and subsequently statistically analysed by using SPSS version 22.Results: Patients with alcohol dependence were significantly deficient in almost all the areas of Emotional intelligence. Lower scores in self-awareness were associated with younger age at onset of alcohol use.Conclusion: Patients with Alcohol Dependence have significantly low Emotional Intelligence. Identifying and targeted training of the individuals with low emotional intelligence may be effective in prevention of alcohol dependence.Â