CHALLENGES TO PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AMONG STUDENTS IN MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS: THE ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhPrabandhan.v2.i1.2025.59Keywords:
Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Well-Being, Multicultural Challenges, Student Adaptation, Cultural DiversityAbstract
Purpose
This study examines the relations among intercultural problems, emotional intelligence, and university students' psychological well-being from diverse academic settings. The objective of the present study is to investigate the mediation and moderation role of emotional intelligence in the influence that multicultural stressors, such as cultural adjustment problems, communication difficulties, and social integration challenges, may have on the students' psychological well-being and adaptability.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted, where a total of 384 undergraduate and graduate students from various universities participated. Data collection was done by standardized tools to assess issues related to multiculturalism, emotional intelligence, and psychological well-being. SEM was applied in this research to test various direct, mediation, and moderation effects that the components had.
Findings
The findings have revealed negative impacts of multicultural problems on students' psychological well-being; at the same time, emotional intelligence plays an important role in mediating or moderating this relationship. Emotionally intelligent students are better able to manage their emotions, empathize with others, and bounce back from adversity; as a result, they are more equipped to navigate the challenges presented by social and cultural diversity. Low levels of emotional intelligence have been found to raise stress and reduce wellbeing within intercultural settings.
Originality/value
This research extends the literature on intercultural education by underlining emotional intelligence as an important psychological resource. It offers practical implications for educators and policy makers in the design of culturally sensitive treatments and emotional intelligence training programs that aim to advance mental health, inclusivity, and cross-cultural cohesion in school settings.
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