Relationship between emotional regulation, emotional intelligence and emotional response.Emotional intelligence as mediator between emotional regulation and emotional response.

The aim of the research is to explore the potential relationships between emotional intelligence as apossible mediator of emotional regulation and emotional response.The research design builds on Gross, Livingston and Isaacowitz’s Process Model of Emotion Regulation,Bar-on’s construct of emotional intelligence and Aldao and Christensens’ concept of flexibility inemotional regulation.The study involved a sample of 308 subjects (18-35 age range) to whom were administered: EmotionalQuotient Inventory (EQ-i), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Difficulties in Emotion RegulationScale-36 (DERS-36) Two analysis techniques were used in the study: multiple regression and mediation analysis withregression.- multiple regression technique: For the first regression, Reapraisal score (ERQ) was set as the dependentvariable and Intrapersonal, Interpersonal (EQ-i) scales and Gender as predictors; an explained variance of23.7% was found (F=32.71; p≤.001). For the second regression the Reapraisal score (ERQ) was set asdependent variable and Adaptability and General mood scales (EQ-i) as predictors; an explained varianceof 17.1% was found (F=32.72; p≤.001).- mediation analysis with regression: Lack of Confidence (DERS) and Difficulty in Recognition (DERS) wasset as independent variables, Suppression (ERQ) as dependent variable and EI (EQi) as mediator. Thevariable EI proved to be a significant mediator for the variable Lack of Trust (β=0.1164; p=0.011) and forthe variable Difficulty in Recognition (β=0.0550; p=0.018).The results demonstrate the role and impact of emotional intelligence within emotional regulation andemotional response processes.The study has some limitations, including a sample with a narrow age range and a limited geographicalarea.Possible applications concern the possibility of extending models on emotional regulation, thedevelopment of interventions to promote flexibility in emotional regulation; particularly for preventiveactions in the educational and clinical spheres.