Importance of developing emotional intelligence in preventing addiction syndrome

Abstract

The social and psychological significance has prompted the study of Addiction Syndrome (AS) formation. The investigation of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and emotional personality regulation is a relevant consideration in the development of chemical dependency. The study aimed to establish the importance of EI in AS based on theoretical analysis and empirical study. Subjects and Methods: The research conducted a comparative analysis of empirical data acquired through a survey of 83 individuals diagnosed with chemical dependence syndrome and 87 individuals void of chemical dependence and other health concerns that could have impacted the study outcomes. The study utilized psychodiagnostic techniques such as the questionnaire “Development of Emotional Maturity of the Personality,” Emotional Intelligence Test MSCEIT-V 2.0, methodology for diagnosing various addictions, questionnaire “Propensity to Addiction to the Use of Psychoactive Substances,” and the Freiburg Multifactorial Personality Questionnaire. Results: The significance of EI in the development and formation AS in individuals aged 18-35 years under the influence of chemical psychoactive substances was theoretically substantiated. A moderate, negative correlation was discovered between EI and chemical dependence (rxy = -0.70) indicating that high EI is associated with low chemical dependence and vice versa. This leads to a decrease in the level of EI at high rates of chemical dependence formation. Conclusion: Studies have shown that underdevelopment of EI and its components is associated with an increased propensity to develop chemical dependency syndrome. Individuals may attempt to compensate for this deficiency by consuming psychoactive substances, consuming alcohol, or taking drugs to evoke unordinary sensations.