The present research aimed to investigate the disparity in emotional intelligence in relation to anger experiences among adolescents in Pakistan. Using cross sectional research design, a sample of 700 participants (350 = boys; 350 = girls) aged 13-19 years were recruited from different government and private schools and colleges of Lahore, Pakistan through purposive sampling. Following questionnaires were administered: Scale for Emotional Intelligence-Adolescent ( SEI-Adolescent version) and State Trait Anger Expression Inventory-I (STAXI-I). The data was analyzed through correlation and one way MANOVA. Results revealed a significant negative relationship for both boys and girls between emotional intelligence and state and trait anger. No significant gender differences were observed in emotional intelligence of adolescents; however, girls were more likely to suppress their anger as compared to boys. Deficits in various sub scales of emotional intelligence like self-regulation, self-awareness and motivation emerged as significant predictors of anger in adolescents. Present findings may persuade mental health practitioners to devise counseling programs aimed at enhancing emotional intelligence to lower down the risk of behavioral problems in adolescents.
Key words: levels of emotional intelligence; anger; adolescents; Pakistan
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