Shruthi Krishnan, Kavitha Chellaiah, Hemapriya Mugilan George
BACKGROUND: With increase in substance use, various aspects are continuously explored to find some measures to prevent relapse and risk behaviours among people. One such aspect is emotional intelligence. Research show that better emotional intelligence makes a person better in his behaviour, and improves his mental well-being and quality of life. Also, emotional intelligence can vary with personality traits. This study aims to analyse emotional intelligence and personality traits among alcoholics and nonalcoholics. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted for a period of 2 months after approval by the institutional ethics committee in the Institute of Mental Health. The study participants were 47 male patients of age 20-45 attending the OPD or admitted in wards diagnosed as alcoholics according to ICD10 (F10.1,2,3,4) and 42 normal mentally healthy males of age 20-45 attending Institute of Mental Health as attendees of patients. After obtaining informed consent, the participants were given an interview for basic socio-economic details. Singh’s emotional intelligence and Eyesenck’s personality questionnaire were given to the participants and results were analysed. RESULTS: Emotional intelligence scores were significantly higher in non-alcoholics when compared to age, education and socio-economic status matched alcoholics. High neurotics had lower and predominantly extroverts had higher emotional intelligence. CONCLUSION: With this study, it is clear that emotional intelligence has an influence on a person’s drinking behaviour along with his personality traits. A better emotional intelligence reduces a person’s chances to take substance.
