Assessment of Emotional Intelligence in the UAdeC Academic Community After the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to analyze the self-perception of emotional intelligence among the academic population upon emerging from confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to university campuses. Specifically, this study focuses on evaluating the emotional intelligence of students and faculty at the Autonomous University of Coahuila (UAdeC) during the June-December 2022 semester. Using a targeted sampling method, 2,857 valid responses were collected from undergraduate and graduate students and faculty who completed the Wong-Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS). The survey was conducted online, allowing easy access to the academic community throughout the state of Coahuila, Mexico. The results show that university students and professors recognize and use their emotions, as well as being able to assess the emotions of those around them. However, they acknowledge that they need support to properly manage these emotions. Therefore, it is necessary for university authorities and the Ministry of Education to provide the necessary tools to achieve this through courses and workshops for students and professors. This research will benefit and contribute to the field of educators, scientists, students, and parents, and due to the large sample used, the findings can be generalized to larger academic populations in northeastern Mexico. The findings in this article will help us understand the academic pressures students and teachers face and how to implement cultural and educational changes to improve their emotional intelligence.