Does emotional intelligence mediate the relationship between conflict and relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships?

The current study explored the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI), Relationship Conflict and Relationship Satisfaction in romantic relationships. The sample comprised 179 participants who were all in heterosexual relationships, 123 females (M =29.04 years, SD = 13.08 years), 55 males (M= 32.84 years, SD = 11.19 years). Participants responded to a self report questionnaire. Partial support was found for the hypothesis that on average, participants with higher levels of General and Positive Relationship Satisfaction and lower levels of Negative Relationship Satisfaction, would engage more in effective and less in ineffective conflict resolution styles, and argue ineffectively less frequently with their partners. The hypothesis that on average, participants with a high level of EI would have a higher level of General and Positive Relationship Satisfaction and a lower level of Negative Relationship Satisfaction, than those with low EI, was also partially supported. The findings also partially supported the hypothesis that on average, participants of high EI would engage more in effective and less in ineffective conflict resolution styles, and argue ineffectively less frequently with their partners. Overall, partial support was found for the exploratory question which investigated whether a participant’s level of EI would mediate the relationship between the participant’s level of Relationship Conflict and Relationship Satisfaction. It was concluded that the current findings contribute to the growing body of research on EI and more specifically, support the importance of EI in social relationships. The current study provides preliminary evidence for the direct relationship between EI, Conflict and Relationship Satisfaction and particularly, partially supports the contention that EI mediates the relationship between Conflict and Satisfaction in romantic relationships.