Emotional Intelligence in Alcohol Dependent Patients - A Comparative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30834/KJP.39.1.2026.573Keywords:
Emotional intelligence, Alcohol dependence, Craving, Severity of Alcohol DependenceAbstract
Background
Emotional intelligence (EI) is an important psychological construct influencing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Its role in alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is increasingly being recognized.
Material and Methods
This hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in a tertiary care center and included 60 male patients with alcohol dependence syndrome and 60 age-matched healthy male controls. Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). Severity of alcohol dependence and craving were measured using the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) and Alcohol Craving Questionnaire–Short Form Revised (ACQ-SF-R), respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results
The mean SSEIT score was significantly lower in the ADS group compared to controls (106.05 ± 17.45 vs. 141.33 ± 9.63; p < 0.001). Subdomains of EI, including emotion perception, self-regulation, and utilization of emotions, were significantly impaired in the ADS group. Family history of alcohol use was associated with lower EI scores (p = 0.004). No significant correlation was found between EI and alcohol craving or severity of dependence.
Conclusion
Emotional intelligence is significantly lower in individuals with alcohol dependence syndrome. EI was t may represent a potentially modifiable factor relevant to long-term recovery.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Surabhi Surendran, Nikhil UG (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
