It is not enough understanding the anxiety but also managing it

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a concept that has been proved with different outcomes (including health). Sometimes, the findings are been promising but also controversial – especially because investigations do not explain how EI can help to increase the mental health, among other reasons. EI is a set of 4 abilities (perceiving, using, understanding and managing) emotions with oneself and others (Mayer & Salovey, 1997). In a sample of 200 undergraduates, the participants filled the MSCEIT – which encompassing the four abilities described – and EAE (scales of appraisal of stress) – which measures whether the anxiety was overcome or not, and how several experiences related with the anxiety is still affecting to participants. After regression analysis, this investigation shows how people with an existential experience with the anxiety can help them to understanding the anxiety but not to managing it. This research claims the necessity for increasing cognitive-emotional managing ability for overcoming anxious experiences.