EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE SYSTEM OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF ANXIETY IN MODERN ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The issue of emotional intelligence as an important psychological factor influencing the level of anxiety in adolescents is becoming increasingly relevant in the context of social instability, wartime conditions, increased academic workload, and the intensive impact of the digital environment. Adolescence is characterized by the active formation of self-awareness, value systems, social skills, and the emotional sphere, which leads to heightened sensitivity to stressful situations and anxiety experiences. The aim of the study was to provide a theoretical justification and conduct an empirical investigation of the level of emotional intelligence development and the features of its relationship with situational and trait anxiety in adolescents. The study involved 65 adolescents aged 14–17 years. Psychodiagnostic methods were used to assess emotional intelligence and anxiety levels, along with descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The results revealed an uneven development of the structural components of emotional intelligence: relatively high levels of emotional awareness and empathy were identified, facilitating the understanding of one’s own emotions and those of others. At the same time, emotional regulation and self-motivation skills were found to be insufficiently developed, increasing vulnerability to anxiety states. Correlation analysis showed statistically significant inverse relationships between emotional intelligence and anxiety, confirming its role as an important internal resource for psychological adaptation. The practical significance of the results lies in their potential application for developing psychoprophylactic and corrective-developmental programs aimed at enhancing emotional self-regulation, increasing emotional awareness, and fostering effective strategies of social interaction among adolescents.