EXERCISE AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN A GROUP OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Several studies positively relate high emotional intelligence (EI) with more physical exercise practice (PE). However, studies on the benefits of PE in EI are more limited. Between 2009 and 2012, twenty five university students participated in a program of PE for 30 minutes 5 times a week for 6 weeks. The changes found in the components of IE after the program were not significant (p = .82 perception, understanding p = .07 and regulation p = .14). The results are consistent with other studies, but differ with some authors who found significant differences in EI scores between students doing PE or not. It is likely that six weeks are insufficient to generate significant changes in the components of EI or that is it which predisposes the PE. Further studies involving larger samples, additional variables and a control group are required.