Definitions of Variables

1. Resilience:

 Resilience is essentially defined as positive adaptability, or the capacity to

preserve or restore mental health in the face of hardship.

 More and more people are using the term "resilience" to characterize and explain

the intricacies of how both individuals and groups react to trying and painful

circumstances.

 The ability to recover from or overcome adversity and hence achieve favorable

results despite an unpleasant incident or circumstance is referred to as resilience.

 The ability to successfully negotiate, adjust to, or manage major causes of stress

or trauma is known as resilience.

 Resilience can be defined as the capacity to bounce back from trauma, stress, or

hardship. It is also understood as the ability to maintain well-being in the face of

challenges or to recover swiftly and fully from adversity.

2. Social support:

 Social support refers to the resources available through social networks that help

individuals cope with stress, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote well-being.

It includes emotional, informational, and tangible assistance from others.

 Social support is the perception or reality that one is cared for, has assistance

available from other people, and is part of a supportive social network.

 Social support can be understood as the tangible and intangible assistance one

receives from others, which enhances emotional well-being and resilience during

times of stress or adversity.

emotional, direction, expertise , and practical support.

 Social support, a critical component of interpersonal relationships that can foster

resilience, promote psychological well-being and mental health, and enhance the

overall quality of life.

3. Emotional Intelligence:

 "A form of social intelligence that involves the ability to monitor ones own and

others feelings and emotions, to differentiate among them and to use this

information to guide ones thinking and action." (Salovey & Mayer, 1990).

 "Emotional intelligence (EI) involves the ability to carry out accurate reasoning

about emotions and the ability to use emotions and emotional knowledge to

enhance thought."

 "Emotional intelligence is the capacity to recognize and understand emotions in

oneself and others to use this awareness to guide the thoughts and behavior."

 “The ability to monitor and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions

of others.”

 “Emotional intelligence is a set of skills that include self-awareness, empathy,

social skills, and emotional regulation.”

Theories on Variables

i. Resilience Theory and Concepts

Resilience Theory explores how individuals and communities adapt to adversity, challenges, and

change. It highlights that resilience is not a fixed trait but a skill set that can be developed over

time. Resilience involves mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility to navigate life’s
difficulties and grow from them. Key factors influencing resilience include personal behaviors,

social support, and external resources.

 Core Principles of Resilience (per Dr. Amit Sood):

1. Gratitude

2. Compassion

3. Acceptance

4. Meaning

5. Forgiveness

 The Seven Cs of Resilience (by Dr. Ken Ginsburg):

1. Competence: Skills to handle situations effectively.

2. Confidence: Rooted in demonstrating competence.

3. Connection: Strong ties to family, friends, and community.

4. Character: A sense of right and wrong to guide responsible decisions.

5. Contribution: A sense of purpose and giving back to the community.

6. Coping: Effective stress management skills.

7. Control: Understanding the ability to influence outcomes.

 Types of Resilience:

1. Psychological Resilience: Mental strength to adapt to crises without long-term distress.

2. Emotional Resilience: Ability to manage emotions healthily during adversity.

4. Community Resilience: Collective recovery and adaptation after events like natural

disasters or violence.

Resilience is built through practice and is influenced by daily stressors and significant

adversities, emphasizing the dynamic and multifaceted nature of this ability.

ii. Summary of Types of Social Support

Social support helps individuals build confidence and resilience in times of stress. There are four

main types:

1. Emotional Support:

This involves listening with empathy and providing compassion to build trust in relationships. It

allows individuals to share feelings and feel understood.

Example: A parent comforting a preteen after heartbreak by providing a safe space to express

emotions.

2. Instrumental Support:

This refers to tangible help or acts of service that assist someone in practical ways.

Example: A friend helping with carpooling or providing meals during a busy week.

 Sources of Social Support:

Community: Clubs, recreational events, and support groups (online or in-person) that foster

connections and shared goals.

lifestyle.

These supports contribute to well-being by addressing emotional and practical needs during

challenging times.

iii. Emotional Intelligence Theories and Measures

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a growing area of study in psychology, linked to academic

achievement, improved social interactions, reduced aggression, and practical applications in

fields such as education, human resources, and politics. Two prominent models of EI are

described below:

1. Mayer and Salovey’s (1997) Ability Model

Definition: EI as a cognitive ability related to, but distinct from, general intelligence.

 Four Branches of EI:

1. Emotion Perception: Recognizing emotions in oneself, others, and external stimuli.

2. Emotional Facilitation: Using emotions to enhance thinking, adapt perspectives, and

reason effectively.

3. Understanding Emotions: Comprehending emotional vocabulary and the interplay of

emotions over time.

4. Managing Emotions: Regulating one’s emotions and influencing others’ emotions

positively.
  Supporting Evidence: Studies demonstrated the ability to identify emotions in stimuli and

the connection between high emotional understanding and social functioning.

2. Bar-On’s (2006) Emotional Social Intelligence (ESI) Model

Definition: EI as a mix of emotional, social, and practical competencies for understanding

oneself and others.

 Five Key Areas:

1. Intrapersonal Skills: Emotional awareness, assertiveness, self-regard, and self-

actualization.

2. Interpersonal Skills: Empathy, social responsibility, and relationship management.

3. Stress Management: Tolerance for stress and impulse control.

4. Adaptability: Flexibility in solving problems and adjusting to environmental demands.

5. General Mood: Optimism and happiness.

 Supporting Evidence: Neurological studies, including cases like Phineas Gage, highlight

the role of brain regions in emotional and social functioning.

 Measures of Emotional Intelligence

1. Mayer Salovey Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT):

An ability-based test aligned with the Ability Model.

Measures perception, facilitation, understanding, and management of emotions.

Strengths: High reliability and independence from other constructs (e.g., personality).
Weaknesses: Limited focus on emotional regulation and real-world emotional reactions.

2. Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i):

A self-report measure based on the ESI Model.

Includes 15 subscales covering emotional and social competencies.

Strengths: Adjusts for social desirability and includes versions for younger users.

 Weaknesses: Vulnerable to bias (e.g., faking), and overlaps with personality traits.

 Research Issues and Future Considerations

A lack of longitudinal studies and inconsistent definitions of EI complicate research.

Many studies rely on narrow samples (e.g., college students) and self-reports, which may not

reflect real-world emotional responses.

There is a need for more robust measures and conceptual clarity to unify conflicting views of EI.

Despite challenges, EI research continues to grow, offering significant potential for applications

across personal, social, and professional domains.

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