The Predictive Role of Emotional Intelligence and Loneliness in Depressive Symptoms Among Malaysian Adults

Amanda Denise Sammy, Mohd Akif Farhan Ahmad Basri

Abstract


Depression is a global health concern, which has been associated with significant functional impairments and increased deaths by suicide over the years. The impact of depressive symptoms has been rising in Malaysia, but past research on the protective and risk factors linked to depression has been focused on Western-dominated samples. Emotional intelligence (EI) has been linked with decreased psychological distress such as loneliness and depression, while loneliness has been established as a risk factor for depression. This study aims to investigate whether EI predicts loneliness and depressive symptoms, and whether loneliness predicts depressive symptoms among Malaysian adults. A cross-sectional correlational design has been utilised on a sample of 318 Malaysian adults. Results showed that EI negatively predicted loneliness and depressive symptoms, while loneliness significantly positively predicted depressive symptoms, both while sex was controlled. Thus, EI may be a protective factor for loneliness and depressive symptoms, while loneliness may be a risk factor for depression. Interventions and policies targeting EI and loneliness may effectively help reduce depressive symptoms in the Malaysian and even other collectivistic populations.

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References


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