The roles of emotional intelligence and adversity quotient in life satisfaction

Few studies have investigated how the specific facets of trait emotional intelligence (EI) and adversity quotient (AQ) affect individuals’ general life satisfaction. The present study identified three facets of trait EI and five of AQ and explored how each facet relates to individuals’ general life satisfaction. Participants were 256 Chinese adults who completed four questionnaires—the Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, the Connor-Davidson resilience scale, the GRIT scale, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. After validating the scales, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that one trait EI component (regulation of emotion) and two AQ facets (tenacity and optimism) significantly and positively predicted individuals’ general life satisfaction. These results suggest that understanding the role of their own and others’ emotions, to be tenacious, and to cultivate positive attitudes and relationships might be a key to promoting their general life satisfaction. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationships between trait EI and life satisfaction and AQ and life satisfaction, and how specific trait EI and AQ facets relate to individuals’ life satisfaction.