IMPACT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON SOCIAL ANXIETY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: MODERATING ROLE OF MINDFULNESS

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence and social anxiety among university students in Islamabad (Pakistan), while exploring the moderating roles of mindfulness and gender. A sample of 400 students (200 male, 200 female) was assessed using validated scales for emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and social anxiety. Findings revealed a significant negative relationship between emotional intelligence and social anxiety, indicating that students with higher emotional intelligence experienced less social anxiety. Mindfulness was found to moderate this relationship, particularly in the area of self-emotion appraisal, where individuals with greater mindfulness showed a stronger negative link between emotional intelligence and social anxiety. Gender differences also played a role, with emotional regulation showing different patterns of influence on social anxiety for male and female students. These results suggest that fostering emotional intelligence through mindfulness interventions may help reduce social anxiety, and tailored strategies could be developed for genderspecific needs. The findings add to existing studies on the topic. Overall, the results add to the expanding body of research on the benefits of emotional intelligence and mindfulness in addressing social anxiety among university students.