Emotional Intelligence and Assertiveness: Aspects of the Relationship in Helping Professions Students

In the contemporary world, characterized by high uncertainty and increasing demands on specialists, especially in helping professions, the development of key personal competencies becomes critically important. The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between emotional intelligence and assertiveness in students preparing for helping professions. The study involved 100 students (aged 17–18) studying psychology and pedagogy. Emotional intelligence was assessed using methods by D. V. Lyusin, M. A. Manoylova, and N. Shutte. The level of assertiveness was measured using the V. P. Sheinov questionnaire. Statistical data processing was performed using Pearson's correlation analysis. The results revealed statistically significant positive correlations between all studied indicators of emotional intelligence and the level of assertiveness. The strongest relationships were found between assertiveness and intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional intelligence (Lyusin's method), the integral emotional intelligence indicator and the ability to manage one's own feelings (Manoylova's method), and the overall emotional intelligence score (Shutte's method). The data confirms the hypothesis of a close interrelationship between these constructs and emphasizes the need for targeted development of emotional intelligence and assertiveness during the professional training of future helping professionals. This will contribute to enhancing their professional effectiveness.