Emotional Intelligence and Its Influence on Internet Addiction and Eating Disorders: A Quantitative Approach

ABSTRACT Emotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a critical determinant of psychological well‐being, influencing individuals' capacity to manage stress, navigate social challenges, and regulate emotions. However, its role in shaping vulnerability to behavioral disorders—particularly eating disorders (ED) and Internet addiction (IA)—remains complex and underexplored. This study investigates the dual role of emotional intelligence as both a protective factor and a potential risk amplifier for eating disorder and compulsive Internet use among medical students. In this cross‐sectional study, 400 clinical‐stage medical students from the University of Medical Sciences in Northern Iran completed validated assessments of EI (Bradberry & Greaves), eating attitudes (EAT‐26), and Internet addiction (IAT). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the predictive value of EI subcomponents—well‐being, self‐control, emotionality, and sociability—on ED and IA symptoms. Higher total EI scores were significantly associated with lower ED symptoms (r = −0.45, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified well‐being and self‐control as the strongest negative predictors of ED (R 2 = 0.36). Unexpectedly, EI was positively correlated with IA (r = 0.32, p < 0.001), with emotionality, well‐being, and self‐control positively predicting IA severity (R 2 = 0.24). Sociability did not significantly predict either outcome. These findings challenge the traditional view of EI as universally adaptive. While EI appears protective against disordered eating by enhancing emotional resilience and self‐regulation, it may concurrently increase vulnerability to Internet overuse, potentially by facilitating online emotional engagement or avoidance behaviors. This paradox highlights the importance of dimension‐specific, nuanced interventions in mental health and behavioral risk prevention among young adults.