The relationship between emotional intelligence and mental health of employed and unemployed young adults in Windhoek, Namibia

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Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Understanding and nurturing emotional intelligence is vital for maintaining good mental health. By recognizing and managing our emotions effectively, we can navigate life’s challenges with resilience and foster healthier relationships both with ourselves and others. The present research explores the relationship between emotional intelligence and mental health of employed and unemployed adults in Windhoek, Namibia. The study was guided by a quantitative, exploratory cross-sectional research design. Convenience sampling and simple random sampling methods were used to select the participants of the study correspondingly. A total sample of 400 adults participated, aged between 20 and 35, of which 199 were officially unemployed and 201 were officially employed. The Emotional Maturity Scale (EMS) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to collect data regarding emotional intelligence and mental health respectively. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also conducted to determine if there was any significant relationship between emotional intelligence, mental health, gender, age, marital status, and employment status. A significant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and depression, as well as emotional intelligence and stress. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and employment status. Overall, the employed participants experienced a higher prevalence of moderate emotional intelligence (96.5%) and 3.5% experienced high emotional intelligence. Moreover, 7.5% of unemployed participants experienced low emotional intelligence and 86.5% of unemployed participants experienced moderate emotional intelligence. No significant association was found between emotional intelligence, gender, and age. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between depression and employment status. The prevalence of mental health problems was higher amongst the unemployed participants with 25.5% severe depression, 44% severe anxiety, and 20% severe stress, as compared to employed participants with 17.5% severe depression, 42% severe anxiety, and 17% severe stress. The study recommends the implementation of platforms where issues of emotional intelligence and mental health can be discussed, and emotional intelligence skills and healthy coping strategies can be introduced, which could promote a more prosperous and thriving Namibia
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in clinical psychology
Keywords
Emotional intelligence, Mental health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Employed, Unemployed
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