The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Resilience in Collegiate Athletes

This study analyzed the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience among collegiate athletes and examined how EI sub-dimensions affect resilience components (self-regulation, interpersonal skills, and positivity). A survey was conducted with 123 student-athletes, and 116 valid responses were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 through correlation and stepwise multiple regression. Results showed significant positive correlations between EI and resilience. Specifically, other-emotion appraisal, use of emotion, and self-emotion appraisal significantly influenced self-regulation; other-emotion appraisal and self-emotion regulation affected interpersonal skills; and other-emotion appraisal and self-emotion appraisal had significant effects on positivity. EI also influenced various sub-factors of resilience, such as emotional control, impulse control, cause analysis, communication, empathy, self-expansion, self-optimism, life satisfaction, and gratitude. These findings suggest that athletes who accurately perceive and regulate emotions and maintain positive relationships recover more effectively from stress. Systematic EI training programs could enhance psychological stability and performance. Future research should consider sport-specific characteristics and use longitudinal or experimental designs to verify the effects of EI enhancement on resilience and athletic outcomes.