| Underdeveloped recognition systems or predictors for negative consequences related to depression in the older adult put this population at a significant risk for suicide, medical illness, and poor health status. Research concerning strategies for predicting depression in the older adult population has not until recently focused on the possibility of measuring one's Emotional Intelligence (EI) as a potential predictive factor. To address an aspect of this neglect, the present quantitative correlational study explored to what extent the total Emotional Quotient (EQ) scale score of EI predicted depression and was related to coping skills in older adults. Three self-report measures were utilized: the Geriatric Depression Scale-short, Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory: Short, and the Brief COPE. A purposive sample of 128 men and women (ages 65 and older) were recruited from local recreation centers and independent living facilities. To determine the extent to which EQ scale score and the Brief COPE domains predicted depression, multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out. In the analysis, only COPE domains 3, 7, 8, and 14 were entered into the logistic regression model as these were the only domains to show statistically significant differences on the ANOVA. None of these domains had a statistically significant effect. After accounting for age, education, and anti-depressant use, EQ scale score was the only variable to have a statistically significant effect OR = 0.95 (.92, 0.99), p=.0009. This result indicated that for every 1-point increase in the EQ scaled score, the risk of having depression decreased by 5%. The results indicated that increased emotional intelligence has a beneficial effect in terms of current depression status. Future longitudinal research in examining EI as a predictor for depression in the older adult population is needed to substantiate and expand upon these findings. |
