Emotional intelligence as a basis for self-esteem in young adults

Chau-Kiu CHEUNG, Hoi Yan CHEUNG, Ming Tak HUE

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlespeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

As self-esteem is likely to build on favorable social experiences, such as those derived from achievement (i.e., GPA) and social competence, emotional intelligence is likely to be pivotal in fostering social experiences conducive to self-esteem. Accordingly, emotional intelligence is likely to underlie social competence and mediate the contribution of achievement to self-esteem. This uncharted role is the focus of this study, which surveyed 405 undergraduates in Hong Kong, China. Results demonstrated the pivotal role of emotional intelligence. Essentially, emotional intelligence appeared to be a strong determinant of self-esteem and explain away the positive effect of social competence on self-esteem. The results imply the value of raising emotional intelligence in order to consolidate the basis for the young adult's self-esteem. Copyright © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)63-84
JournalThe Journal of Psychology
Volume149
Issue number1
Early online dateFeb 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Citation

Cheung, C.-K., Cheung, H. Y., & Hue, M.-T. (2015). Emotional intelligence as a basis for self-esteem in young adults. The Journal of Psychology, 149(1), 63-84.

Keywords

  • Emotional intelligence
  • Self-esteem
  • Social efficacy
  • Social competence

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