CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Projects In-Progress
Emotional Intelligence, Loneliness, & Life Satisfaction
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Art
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Megan St. Peters
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
In 2023, nearly 40% of college students reported “a lot” of loneliness (Hrynowski & Marken, 2023). Loneliness in college students is associated with hopelessness, depression, suicidal ideation, poor social skills, poor sleep quality, and reduced positive emotions (Motillon-Toudic, 2022). It is also associated with lower levels of life satisfaction (Onal et al., 2022) whereas high life satisfaction is protective against anxiety and depression (Fergusson et al., 2015). Recent studies have shown that emotional intelligence (EI) is predictive of lower levels of depression, suicidal ideation, and state anxiety (Persich et al., 2021) and life satisfaction (Kong et al., 2019). However, many of the studies characterizing loneliness, life satisfaction, and/or EI were conducted in other countries, such as China (Kong, et al., 2019), Spain (Sánchezálvarez et al., 2016), France (Motillon-Toudic, 2022), and Turkey (Onal et al., 2022). The current study will extend such research to the United States and examine whether EI is a mediator in the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction. An online survey measuring loneliness, life satisfaction, and emotional intelligence will be administered via SONA and posters on the MSU campus to solicit college student participation. EI will be explored as a potential mediator to better understand the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction in college students. Such research is needed to guide future risk assessments and interventions aimed at improving the lives of college students especially in a post-pandemic society.
Spring Scholars Week 2024 Event
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Emotional Intelligence, Loneliness, & Life Satisfaction
In 2023, nearly 40% of college students reported “a lot” of loneliness (Hrynowski & Marken, 2023). Loneliness in college students is associated with hopelessness, depression, suicidal ideation, poor social skills, poor sleep quality, and reduced positive emotions (Motillon-Toudic, 2022). It is also associated with lower levels of life satisfaction (Onal et al., 2022) whereas high life satisfaction is protective against anxiety and depression (Fergusson et al., 2015). Recent studies have shown that emotional intelligence (EI) is predictive of lower levels of depression, suicidal ideation, and state anxiety (Persich et al., 2021) and life satisfaction (Kong et al., 2019). However, many of the studies characterizing loneliness, life satisfaction, and/or EI were conducted in other countries, such as China (Kong, et al., 2019), Spain (Sánchezálvarez et al., 2016), France (Motillon-Toudic, 2022), and Turkey (Onal et al., 2022). The current study will extend such research to the United States and examine whether EI is a mediator in the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction. An online survey measuring loneliness, life satisfaction, and emotional intelligence will be administered via SONA and posters on the MSU campus to solicit college student participation. EI will be explored as a potential mediator to better understand the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction in college students. Such research is needed to guide future risk assessments and interventions aimed at improving the lives of college students especially in a post-pandemic society.