INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE PROFESSIONAL FULFILMENT OF STUDENTS SPECIALIZING IN SPORT MANAGEMENT

Abstract

After a thorough theoretical analysis and a summary of the problem we formulated the following aim: to identify the level of emotional intelligence of students specializing in Sport Management as a prerequisite for their professional fulfilment. Methods: The study included 63 participants: men and women in different years of their education at Vassil Levski National Sports Academy and careerpursuing graduates. The Bulgarian adapted version of the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test consisting of 33 questions whose responses are indicated on a 5-point Likert scale was used to achieve the goal of the study. The analysis of the results shows that the overall emotional intelligence and all its factors are significantly higher in men specializing in sport management. Male professionals demonstrate higher motivation for overcoming obstacles, and optimism in solving problems and achieving goals. The positive attitudes and emotions of the graduates determine the significant differences identified with respect to their abilities to “share emotions and empathy”, “perceive the nonverbal expression of emotions in others” and “perceive one’s own emotions and self-control” in comparison to students who are still in the process of learning. Conclusion: We consider emotional intelligence as a necessary criterion that determines the possibilities for professional fulfilment of sport management students.

Keywords

• emotions
• sports managers
• realizations
• relations