Mindsets and Emotions: Understanding Cognitive Distortions and Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

The study investigates the relationship between cognitive distortions and emotional intelligence (EI) in shaping coping strategies among university students. Using a quantitative correlational design, data were collected from 150 participants (aged 15 and above) who completed an online survey through the Cognitive Distortions Scale (Briere, 2000) and the Emotional Intelligence Scale (Goleman, 1995).  We examined whether individuals with higher EI are more accurate in identifying cognitive distortions and more effective in problem-solving when confronted with distorted thinking. Results indicated that while participants reported moderate levels of cognitive distortions, their EI scores were relatively high, suggesting that emotional competencies may buffer against maladaptive thought patterns. Consistent with Hypothesis 1 (H1), findings revealed a negative association between cognitive distortions and EI, supporting the view that higher levels of distorted thinking are linked to lower emotional intelligence, and vice versa. In addition, Hypothesis 2 (H2) proposed that gender moderates this relationship, with men showing stronger effects in the regulation branch of EI and women in the perception and understanding branches. We used Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlations, and regression models, which revealed that while cognitive distortions were reported at moderate levels, participants demonstrated relatively high EI scores. Gender differences in cognitive distortions were negligible, though males showed slightly higher variance in EI. Correlational findings indicated a weak, negative, but non-significant association between cognitive distortions and EI, suggesting that while conceptually related, the constructs may interact indirectly through mediating factors such as coping styles or personality traits. Limitations include reliance on self-report measures, convenience sampling, and cross-sectional design, which restrict causal inference. Future research should employ longitudinal and cross-cultural approaches, integrate neurocognitive methods, and explore trauma-informed EI interventions.