An examination of the relationship between trait-based emotional intelligence and psychological resilience in youth with Asperger's Disorder

This study sought to explore the relationship of trait-based emotional intelligence to psychological resilience in 23 youth, ages 16 to 21 years, clinically diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder. Results indicated that youth with the disorder performed lower on several quotients of trait-based emotional intelligence, as measured by the BarOn EQ:i-S, in comparison to the BarOn EQ:i-S normative sample. Significant relationships were found to exist between several emotional quotients and measures of psychological resilience. Total levels of trait-based emotional intelligence (Total EQ), for example, were related to measures of psychological resilience including self-perception of relationship quality, emotional reactivity, and personal adjustment while General Mood EQ was related with satisfaction with life. The implications of these results, as well as the other results obtained, are discussed.