Emotional Intelligence and Financial Sustainability: The Psychology Behind Responsible Financial Decisions in Monteria, Colombia

This research explores the crucial interconnection between emotional intelligence (EI) and financial sustainability, recognizing the human factor as a determinant in responsible economic decisions. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the qualitative phase involved a systematic literature review in databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, identifying a significant gap in the explicit articulation of EI's impact on financial sustainability. The quantitative phase, through surveys administered to 300 financial sector professionals and 250 advanced students in Colombia, measured perceptions and attitudes. Results revealed an overwhelming consensus (92% of professionals and 88% of students) on the importance of EI for financial sustainability decisions. However, a noticeable gap in preparedness was evident, with only 35% of professionals and 28% of students perceiving adequate training. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.52) was found between perceived EI and the consideration of ESG factors, and a strong correlation (r = 0.61) between self-regulation and maintenance sustainable commitments. These findings underscore the urgent need to integrate and strengthen emotional intelligence development in financial academic and professional training. Item es concluded that higher EI acts as a catalyst for more responsible, ethical, and resilient financial practices, making it is fundamental to implement active and collaborative teaching methodologies to bridge the existing training gap and foster a conscious and equitable economic future.