The association between trait emotional intelligence and the quality of life of stroke patients: the mediating role of resilience

Stroke has profound physical and psychological consequences. Evidence indicates that trait emotional intelligence can enhance physical health and well-being in individuals with chronic conditions. However, the relationship between trait emotional intelligence, resilience, and quality of life in stroke survivors remains unexplored. This study aimed to examine these associations and to determine whether resilience mediates the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and quality of life. This cross-sectional study included 113 stroke patients from a tertiary hospital in China. Questionnaires measured demographic and medical characteristics, trait emotional intelligence, resilience, and quality of life. Spearmen correlation analysis and mediation analysis (PROCESS macro for SPSS) were used to analyze the data. Trait emotional intelligence was positively associated with both resilience (standardized coefficients = 0.490, p < 0.001) and quality of life (standardized coefficients = 0.357, p < 0.001). Resilience was also positively correlated with quality of life (standardized coefficients = 0.163, p = 0.019). Mediation analysis revealed that resilience significantly mediated the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and quality of life (indirect effect = 0.160, 95% CI: 0.016–0.345). Trait emotional intelligence positively correlated to both resilience and quality of life in stroke patients. Trait emotional intelligence interventions may strengthen resilience and thereby improve quality of life in this population.