Anxiety and Emotional Intelligence as Predictors of Coping with Stress in Patients with Personality Disorders—A Single-Arm Pre–Post Observational Study

TL;DR

This study found that anxiety and emotional intelligence influence how people with personality disorders cope with stress, with higher emotional intelligence linked to better coping strategies.

Contribution

The study empirically links emotional intelligence and anxiety to coping strategies in personality disorder patients, offering insights for therapeutic interventions.

Findings

High trait anxiety correlates with maladaptive coping like denial and self-blame.

Higher emotional intelligence is associated with adaptive coping strategies such as planning.

Improving emotional intelligence may enhance treatment outcomes for personality disorder patients.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between anxiety levels, emotional intelligence, and stress coping strategies in individuals diagnosed with personality disorders. According to Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress, the appraisal of stressors and available psychological resources determines the selection of coping strategies—whether adaptive or maladaptive. Material and Methods: This observational case series study involved 30 individuals diagnosed with personality disorders (ICD-10 codes F60 and F61). Psychological assessments were conducted at two time points: upon admission to a day-care psychiatric unit and after three months of standard therapeutic intervention. The following standardized instruments were administered: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (INTE), and the Mini-COPE Inventory for Coping with Stress. Results: Elevated levels of anxiety—particularly trait anxiety—were significantly associated with maladaptive coping strategies, including denial and self-blame. Conversely, higher emotional intelligence was positively correlated with the use of adaptive coping mechanisms, such as planning and proactive problem-solving. Conclusions: The findings support the hypothesis that both anxiety and emotional intelligence are significant predictors of stress coping styles in individuals with personality disorders. The results underscore the importance of considering these psychological variables in the design and implementation of therapeutic programs. Enhancing emotional intelligence may substantially improve treatment outcomes and overall psychological functioning in this clinical population. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

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