Impact of emotional intelligence of women on their mental well being in four state capital cities (Bangalore, Delhi, Jaipur and Lucknow) of India

In this study, the impact of Emotional Intelligence (EI) on the Mental Well Being (MWB) amongst the women residing in four state capital cities (Bangalore, Delhi, Jaipur and Lucknow) of India was observed. This study originally aimed to collect the data from a population of 180 women participants. The success rate of data collection on all forms at various time intervals could be achieved for 78.99%. The study is a cross-sectional quantitative research design, with data collected from adult females(n=142) with an age range of 25–45 years, a mix of both single-married women, working professionals-Homemakers, multi-lingual and with diverse religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. Data was collected by using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) © NHS Health Scotland, University of Warwick and University of Edinburgh, 2006 and Emotional Intelligence Test by Dr D. Singh and Dr N.K. Chadha. The role of EI was evaluated and observed as the pivot for the mental well being of the female respondents. Results obtained from Path Analysis showed that the Social Support System, irrespective of formal or informal Interest groups, domestic help, peer at work etc partially mediated the relationship between EI and mental distress. Furthermore, it was found that while the home makers across the cities felt strong need of the “Me-Time”, the working professionals sought solace in “excursions, socializing after work and picking up their hobbies and substance abuse” as their stress busters. While the stress levels are perceived to be higher on the psychometric tools, there is a strong need felt for the social support extended for women irrespective of their demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds.