The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship Between Family Climate and Academic Anxiety Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Emotional intelligence is increasingly considered as a critical factor in managing stress and improving student well-being. Research indicates that a supportive family climate plays an important role in enhancing emotional well-being. However, the mediating effect of emotional intelligence in the association between family climate and academic anxiety has remain unexplored. Hence, this study aims to bridge the gap, by examining the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between family climate and academic anxiety among undergraduate students. The study selected a sample of 300 undergraduates by simple random sampling from various colleges in Imphal West, Manipur. The Emotional Intelligence Scale (Hyde et al., 2021), the Family Climate Scale (Shah, n.d.) and the Academic Anxiety Scale (Cassady, 2020) were employed to measure emotional intelligence, family climate, and academic anxiety, respectively. Data analysis were conducted using Pearson’s correlation and mediation analysis. Findings showed that emotional intelligence has a positive correlation with family climate but a negative correlation with academic anxiety. Further, mediation analysis showed that emotional intelligence mediates the association between family climate and academic anxiety indicating that students from emotionally supportive families may develop strong abilities in emotional awareness and regulation, which help lessen the negative effects of academic anxiety. This study highlights the protective function of emotional intelligence and provides important insights for policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals working to enhance student welfare and academic achievement.