A program to develop Emotional Intelligence: a subjective evaluation of the change

Abstract

Emotional intelligence is related to many aspects that are important in life. Such as, health and relationships. Thus, programmes to improve emotional intelligence are necessary to help developing healthy and happy people. To evaluate these programmes, there are different methods like objective and subjective instruments. The study aimed to 1) assess an emotional intelligence programme from the subjective perception of adolescents; 2) explore whether the programme affected differentially by sex. The sample comprised 148 adolescents, aged 13-16 years. The study used a quasi-experimental posttest design with control groups. The intervention consisted of 20 one-hour sessions carried out weekly. The aim of the programme was to improve adolescent's emotional intelligence. In particular, self-conscience, emotion regulation, mood, communication and empathy. After the intervention, the Program Assessment Questionnaire (PAQ), a subjective instrument to measure emotional intelligence was administered. The results confirmed that experimental participants perceived a greater change. The intervention affected both sexes in a similar way.