Predictive Role of Emotional Intelligence in Authenticity and Self-Disgust Levels of University Students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between emotional intelligence, authenticity, and self-disgust levels of university students. 555 students, 440 females and 115 males that studying in various universities in Turkey in 2022 have participated to the study. The research model of this study is a type of quantitative research called relational survey model. Demographic Information Form, Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire–Short Form, Self-Disgust Scale-Revised and Authenticity Scale were used in the study for data collection processes. The results of the research state that emotional intelligence and authenticity levels of males were higher than females, while self-disgust did not show any difference between genders. When the variables were analyzed according to income status, the emotional intelligence level was higher in individuals with higher income, as self-disgust was higher in individuals with lower income. Authenticity level did not show any difference among income groups. When the relationships between variables were analyzed, a positive significant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and authenticity. Self-disgust was found to have a significant negative relationship with both emotional intelligence and authenticity. According to the multiple regression analyses, it was found that the subscales of emotional intelligence were significant predictors of authenticity. The subscales of emotional intelligence including well-being, self-discipline, emotionality, and sociability together explained 53% of the variance in authenticity scores. Lastly, the results indicates that the subscales of emotional intelligence were significant predictors of self-disgust. The subscales of emotional intelligence including well-being, self-discipline, emotionality, and sociability together explained 41% of the variance in self-disgust scores. According to the results obtained, it is recommended to take increasing emotional intelligence skills into account considering that it may be functional in increasing the authenticity and reducing the self-disgust of individuals in terms of psychological health.