Emotional Intelligence and Coping Styles in Adolescents and Young Adults: Differential Associations with Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping

Abstract Background : Emotional intelligence has been identified as an important psychological factor influencing how individuals manage stress and regulate emotions. However, evidence regarding its differential association with adaptive and maladaptive coping styles in adolescents and young adults remains limited. Objective : This study aimed to examine the relationships between emotional intelligence and adaptive and maladaptive coping styles in a large sample of adolescents and young adults. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 participants aged 15–25 years. Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, while coping styles were measured using a 28-item COPE inventory aggregated into adaptive and maladaptive coping dimensions. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, gender, and education level were performed. Results : Emotional intelligence was positively associated with both adaptive coping (r = .16, p < .001) and maladaptive coping (r = .54, p < .001). Regression analyses indicated that emotional intelligence independently predicted both coping styles; however, the effect size was substantially larger for maladaptive coping. Age, gender, and education level were not significant predictors in either model. Conclusion : Emotional intelligence is differentially associated with coping styles in adolescents and young adults, with a particularly strong relationship observed for maladaptive coping. These findings underscore the importance of emotional intelligence in coping processes and suggest that interventions targeting emotional intelligence may help reduce maladaptive coping behaviors in youth.