The correlation between emotional intelligence, social support, and emotional dependency in romantic relationships in Brazil.

• Grant number: 24/15552-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Fundamentals and Assessments in Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Fabiano Koich Miguel
• Grantee: Victória Assis Lima
• Host Institution: Centro de Educação e Ciências Humanas (CECH). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been widely studied as a crucial factor for psychological well-being and interpersonal success. EI is associated with various areas of life, including the quality of romantic relationships, significantly influencing these bonds. However, some of these relationships can be dysfunctional and harmful to the individuals involved, especially when there is emotional dependency (ED). ED is characterized by a pattern of behaviors and beliefs centered around the intimate partner, leaving the emotionally dependent individual vulnerable to psychological suffering, violence, and suicide attempts. While EI may potentially act as a protective factor against ED, research on this correlation is still scarce in Brazil. Additionally, stressful and vulnerable situations can be mitigated by quality social support (SS) from networks of friends, family, or other social groups. Thus, it is hypothesized that individuals with higher emotional intelligence and perceived quality social support have lower emotional dependency. In this context, the present study aims to explore the relationship between EI, ED, and SS. The objective is to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence, emotional dependency, and social support in people who are in romantic relationships in Brazil. The project will employ a quantitative approach, using instruments to assess emotional intelligence (TOHE, QoRE, QoE), emotional dependency (CDE), and social support (EPSUS-A) in a diverse sample of adults in romantic relationships. It is expected that the results found here may serve as a reference for the development of future interventions and psychological treatments in managing ED.