Emotional intelligence and mental health problems among adolescents in Vietnam: a school-based survey:

The burden of mental health problems among adolescents is substantial and apparent globally. Data of nature, prevalence, and determinants of these problems are limited in low- and middle-income countries. Emotional intelligence (EI) can protect adolescents from mental health problems in high-income countries, but this relationship has not been investigated in South East Asian countries. This study aims to investigate the relationship between EI and mental health problems among Vietnamese adolescents. The cross-sectional survey was conducted among students using an anonymous, self-completed questionnaire. A total of 1,593/1,616 (98.6%) students reported that students with higher Global EI scores and Well-being, Self-control and Emotionality subscale scores had significantly fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress and a lower risk of having loneliness symptoms. Higher EI was associated with better mental health among adolescents. Structured interventions and school-based programs for students and parents are potentially promising approaches to reducing Vietnamese youth's mental health problems.