Investigating the Interplay Between Personality Types and Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the Big Five personality dimensions and EI and their effects on behavioral and cognitive consequences. To accomplish the objectives of this study, data were collected from 50 participants aged 18 to 28 at the University of Swat, employing a cross-sectional research design. A self-administered reliable and valid questionnaire was used to measure personality traits and EI; the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI) and Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF). To test the relationships between personality traits and EI dimensions, as well as the effects of the demographic variables, namely gender and education level, the basic statistical analysis including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression, independent samples T-tests, and One-Way ANOVA was used. The study established Neuroticism to have cross-linear relationships with diminished cross-sectional emotional regulation competence while Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience were positively related to EI. This result in gender difference analysis demonstrated that women had better scores in self-awareness sub-competence compared to men and women also scored higher in flexibility than men. Also related to emotional intelligence, educational levels proved that the higher levels of education the better levels of emotional regulation among the respondents. These findings underscore the significant relationship between personality and emotional intelligence and their tremendous influence on stress coping, judgment and decision making, to cognitive flexibility. This research fills a gap on how personality and emotional intelligence simultaneously influence human behavior and thought processes as regards well-being at work. It provides valuable information for developing specific strategies to boost self- and emotional regulation skills.