Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Well-Being among Alcoholics and Non Alcoholics Adults: A Positive Psychology Perspective

Abstract

Human behavior is shaped by the interplay of emotional, psychological, and social factors, and recent advances in Positive Psychology emphasize the importance of emotional strengths in promoting mental health and adaptive functioning. The present study examined differences in Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Well-Being between alcoholic and non-alcoholic adults, and explored the relationship between these two psychological constructs. A total sample of 300 male participants aged 18–45 years was selected through purposive sampling comprising 150 diagnosed Alcoholic adults from various de-addiction centers and 150 Non-Alcoholic adults from community settings in Lucknow. Standardized tools, including the Emotional Intelligence Inventory and the Psychological Well-Being Scale, were administered to assess key variables. Results revealed significantly lower Emotional Intelligence (t = 5.84, p < .01) and Psychological Well-Being (t = 4.84, p < .01) among alcoholic adults compared to non-alcoholic adults. Life Satisfaction dimensions such as efficiency, sociability, mental health, and interpersonal relations were also adversely affected in the alcoholic group. Moreover, a positive and moderately strong correlation (r = 0.67) was found between Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Well-Being, indicating that higher EI is associated with better psychological functioning. The findings highlight that alcohol dependence undermines emotional regulation, interpersonal competence, and overall well-being, while emotional intelligence serves as a protective factor that supports healthier coping and psychological resilience. The study underscores the importance of strength-based therapeutic interventions that incorporate emotional skills training in alcohol rehabilitation programs.