RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND AGGRESSION AMONG PARENTS OF SPECIAL CHILDREN

Abstract

Parents of special children often encounter numerous emotional, social, and caregiving challenges that may influence their emotional functioning and behavioral responses. Emotional intelligence has been identified as an important psychological resource that facilitates effective emotion regulation, interpersonal functioning, and adaptive coping. Conversely, aggression may emerge as a maladaptive response to prolonged stress, frustration, and emotional strain. The present study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence and aggression among parents of special children. A quantitative correlational research design was employed. The sample comprised 100 parents of special children, including 50 fathers and 50 mothers, recruited from public and private special education institutions in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Data were collected using the Emotional Intelligence Scale and the Aggression Questionnaire. Pearson product–moment correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the association between emotional intelligence and aggression. The findings indicated an inverse relationship between emotional intelligence and aggression, suggesting that parents with higher levels of emotional intelligence tended to report lower levels of aggressive tendencies. These findings support the view that emotional intelligence may serve as a protective psychological factor that promotes adaptive emotional regulation and reduces maladaptive behavioral responses. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on parental psychological well-being and highlights the importance of developing interventions aimed at strengthening emotional competencies among parents of special children. Such interventions may assist parents in managing caregiving-related stress more effectively and promoting healthier emotional and behavioral adjustment.