Emotional intelligence and parent-child relationship among Indian adolescents - A cross-sectional study

Background: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and effectively use one's emotions and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. Positive parent–child relationships can provide a supportive environment for the development of emotional intelligence. Methods: This research aimed to evaluate the relationship between emotional intelligence and the dynamics of adolescents' parent–child relationships, which further influence academic and psychological well-being. The emotional intelligence inventory was used to assess emotional intelligence, whereas the parent–child relationship scale was used to measure parent–child relationship quality. A convenience sampling technique was adopted to collect data from 500 adolescents through an online mode. Results: Most of the adolescents exhibited moderate to high emotional intelligence and maintained relationships with their parents that ranged from above average to exceptionally balanced. The statistical analysis revealed a weak negative correlation between emotional intelligence quality and the parent–child relationship (p = 0.002). The research findings emphasise a weak but statistically significant correlation (r = −0.136) between emotional intelligence and the relationship between parents and children. Compared with adolescents from rural areas, those from urban areas presented greater emotional intelligence. Additionally, those with higher birth order and belonging to joint families exhibited cordial relationships with their parents. Conclusion: Promotion of parent–child interaction and nurturing of harmonious relationships are crucial for the development of emotional intelligence among adolescents, which requires parents to guide and enhance emotional management.