Relationship between emotional intelligence and use of alcohol, marijuana and tobacco

This study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and use of alcohol, marijuana and tobacco smoke in college students. The sample consisted of 199 college students (119 men and 80 women). The constructs of EI were measured using the Schutte Self Report Inventory (SSRI), which evaluates EI based on the model developed by Salovey and Mayer. Included in the scale are four constructs of emotion (perceive, utilize, regulate and manage). Alcohol use was measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Marijuana use was measured with the Marijuana Screening Inventory (MSI) questionnaire and cigarette smoke was measured using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Results showed that on SRRI the construct of “utilize” was significantly and inversely related with the construct of MSI (r = -.333, p < .01) and SSRI's construct of “regulate” was significantly and inversely related to the constructs of AUDIT (r = -.216, p < .05) and MSI (r = - .268, p < .01). The SSRI construct of “manage” was significantly and inversely related with AUDIT (r = -.311 p < .01) and MSI (r = -.265 p < .01). An association between the EI constructs and cigarette smoking was not supported by this study. The study confirms that EI is a predictor of risky behaviors of alcohol and marijuana use. Individuals with high EI have capacity for understanding how and which emotions influence positive decision-making in daily living adding value to the need for building EI as a protective factor.