Emotional intelligence as a factor in the efficient self-regulation of functional states under work strain

Introduction Self-regulation of emotions is viewed as one of the key skills in various socionomic professions (Kuznetsova & Titova, 2016; Spencer & Spencer, 2008), including psychology. Emotional intelligence (EI) can be seen as a vital competence for counseling psychologists, as well as a factor in an efficient human functional state’s (HFS) self-regulation under stressful work conditions. Objectives This study aims to assess the EI level in psychologists involved in a long-term relief programme for people affected by an industrial accident, and to reveal interrelations between EI and the efficiency of acquisition of new self-regulation skills. Methods The training course was designed for psychologists (n=15) in order to develop new stress-management counseling skills. It included: progressive relaxation, ideomotor and visualization exercises; autogenic formulae. Data were obtained from HFS evaluation questionnaires (Leonova, Zlokazova, Kachina & Kuznetsova, 2013), and the EI inventory (Manoylova, 2004). Results The mean EI level was high among the psychologists, although there were variations. Data confirmed rapid progress in the acquisition of self-regulation skills, and demonstrated a prolonged effect of stress (p=0,052) and fatigue (p<0,001) reduction (Friedman’s test). The EI level showed correlations (Spearman’s test) with HFS measures: by the end of the course psychologists with a higher EI reported higher psychological comfort (p<0,05) and lower acute fatigue (p<0,01) after relaxation exercises. Conclusions Although the sample size was small, the data, obtained from described above unique group of counseling psychologists, helped reveal the link between EI and efficient HFS self-regulation.