A study about Emotional Intelligence, vital satisfaction and dispositional optimism in an ocupational day center of people with intellectual disability

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide evidence about the relation between emotional intelligence, vital satisfaction and dispositional optimism in mentally disabled people that attend a daily and occupational therapy centre. The sample is composed of 15 individuals (n = 15), of an average age of 34.93 years old; dt (± 12.28) and an average disability degree of 64.07%. In order to obtain the information, some measurement instruments have been used: Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (tmms-24), Emotional Quotient inventory (eqi-c), Satisfaction with Life Scale (swls) and Life Orientation Test Revised (lot-r). The evidences show that the participants are able to show an adaptive behaviour against adverse circumstances and as a consequence being able to achieve a high level of vital fulfillment and optimism. There are relations between the dimensions of the considered instruments (p < .05) and there are also significative differences on an statistic level in the emotional intelligence dimension as well as in the social-demographic variables of disability degree and age (p < .05). The regression test confirms the positive association between emotional intelligence (adaptability) and vital satisfaction. It tackles a discussion about the results of the test done on groups with similar characteristics, concluding that there is a lack of studies made that tackle the emotional intelligence, life fulfilment and dispositional optimism on groups of disabled individuals.

Keywords

• discapacidad intelectual
• inteligencia emocional percibida
• satisfacción vital
• optimismo disposicional