COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS AND SELF-ESTEEM: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the relationships between cognitive distortions, emotional intelligence and self-esteem in young adults and to explore the mediation of the relationship between cognitive distortions and self-esteem by emotional intelligence. A correlational research design was used to examine 300 University students (18-25 years). Participants filled out the Cognitive Distortion Scale, Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Pearson product-moment correlations and Hayes' PROCESS mediation analyses were used to analyze the data. The results showed that there was significant negative relationship between cognitive distortions and emotional intelligence and cognitive distortions and self-esteem. Self-esteem was significantly and positively related to emotional intelligence. In addition, each aspect of cognitive distortions (self-criticism, self-blame, helplessness, hopelessness, and danger preoccupations) was negatively correlated with emotional intelligence and self-esteem. The mediation analysis indicated that the relationship between cognitive distortions and self-esteem was mediated by emotional intelligence. The indirect effect was also important and suggested that emotional intelligence buffered the negative influence of the cognitive distortions on self-esteem. The findings indicate that there are relationships between cognitive distortions scores and emotional intelligence scores and emotional intelligence scores and self-esteem. Emotional intelligence seems to act as a protective factor and moderate the effects of unhealthy thinking patterns on self-esteem. The results provide evidence that emotional awareness and regulation are important factors in psychological well-being for young adults, and that these processes should be promoted to foster psychological well-being in them. The findings of the study have significant implications for counseling, educational and mental health interventions for reducing the cognitive vulnerabilities and reinforcing self-esteem in youth.