The Impact of Maladaptive Perfectionism On Interpreting Training Sessions: Emotional Competencies and Self-Care

This study explores the potential links between emotional competencies and perfectionism in graduate interpreting students. Specifically, the effect of Emotional Intelligence (EI) on maladaptive perfectionism was studied, using two questionnaires and a scale of responses. This current study aimed to clarify the link between Trait Emotional Quotients (TEQs) and maladaptive perfectionism symptoms, since it has emerged that maladaptive psychopathology is closely related to the ability to cope with stressors. A sample of native Italian students from the interpreting course at the University of X were provided with the EQ-i test scale to track the participants’ TEQs. The findings highlighted a self-perceived lack of emotional competencies resulting in some maladaptive behaviors among the interpreting students. Additionally, the study helped identify some self-care tools that might be incorporated into student interpreter training.