Emotional intelligence and its impact on relationship quality: a qualitative analysis of mixed married couples in Kazakhstan

This study investigates the role of emotional intelligence in shaping marital satisfaction and relationship dynamics among ethnically mixed married couples in Kazakhstan. Through a qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews with 25 participants from mixed marriages representing various ethnic combinations (Kazakh, Russian, Korean, Uzbek, Ukrainian, German, and Uighur), the research examined how components of emotional intelligence– self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills–influence cross-cultural relationship dynamics. Findings reveal that higher emotional intelligence correlates with more effective cross-cultural communication, navigation of cultural differences, conflict resolution, and relationship resilience. Participants with well-developed empathy and cultural perspective-taking demonstrated particularly positive relationship outcomes, while those with strong emotional regulation skills reported greater success managing family tensions related to cultural differences. These results suggest that emotional intelligence skills can be intentionally cultivated to enhance relationship quality in cross-cultural marriages, with implications for multicultural relationship education, couples therapy, and family development in Kazakhstan’s diverse society.