Low emotional intelligence increases depression risk

A simple Emotional Intelligence (EI) test could be used to predict a person’s risk of developing depression, according to new research from Swinburne University of Technology.

The study, which demonstrates the relationship between low EI and depression, has been published in the European Journal of Psychiatry.

According to Professor Con Stough, from Swinburne’s Brain Sciences Institute, despite depression being a common mental illness, this is the first time research has focused on EI as a potential predictive factor. “Our research shows that EI tests may be very valuable in terms of identifying those at risk of developing depression,” he said.

Like its more well-known cousin IQ, EI can be measured using a quiz-style test. The test assesses five dimensions of EI: Emotional and self awareness and expression; understanding the emotions of others; utilising emotions to guide decision making; managing emotions; and controlling emotions.

Collaborating with Melbourne University’s Professor Isaac Schweitzer at The Melbourne Clinic, the Swinburne researchers administered EI tests to two groups of people – those who had been diagnosed with clinical depression, and a control group.

The researchers found that, compared to the control group, the depressed individuals scored poorly on all of the EI dimensions. In particular there was an association between the severity of depression and the EI dimensions of managing and controlling emotions.

“People who score poorly on these measures typically become stressed easily, are pessimistic, don’t exhibit positive emotions and experience difficulty changing their emotional state,” said Stough.

Stough believes that this new study has highlighted a crucial benefit of emotional intelligence testing. “By administering EI tests, psychologists will be able to identify those at risk of developing depression – which has huge implications for early intervention,” he said.

Unlike IQ, which is difficult to improve relative to our standing with others, EI is a trait that can be developed and grown over time. According to Stough, EI programs can help people develop skills associated with emotional control. “If we can help someone to improve their EI in this sense, it may in fact reduce their risk of suffering from depression,” he said.

Schweitzer also suggests that EI evaluation may help clinicians decide whether to treat depressed individuals with psychological interventions rather than antidepressant medication.

Stough and his colleagues are already working with secondary schools across Australia, administering EI tests to students. “Students whose EI falls in the bottom 10 per cent of the class are then given assistance to help develop their EI and improve their standing,” he said. He believes that this type of program should be implemented more widely – with EI tests administered in schools, universities and the workplace.

“If we can use EI tests to pick up warning signs early, we can help at-risk individuals develop their emotional intelligence, which may help them avoid mental illnesses such as depression down the track”

(Source: European Journal of Psychiatry: Swinburne University: October 2008)