The Relationship between Negative Career Thoughts & Emotional Intelligence

Relationships between overall emotional intelligence (EI) as measured by the Bar-On EQi and negative career thoughts as measured by the Career Thoughts Inventory were investigated in a population of career undecided non-student adults. More specifically, the factors of EI most related to negative career thinking were examined, as were the type of negative career thoughts most associated with EI. Findings revealed a significant inverse relationship between total EI and negative career thought scores. Adaptability and Intrapersonal factors were the subscales accounting for most of the variation in the career thoughts/EI relationship. Decision making-confusion was most negatively correlated with EI scores. The results suggest that assessment of a client's EI levels is important in career decision-making counseling.