THE EMOTIONAL EDGE: UNVEILING THE LINK BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND EXAMINATION ANXIETY

Abstract

Examination anxiety remains one of the most prevalent psychological challenges faced by students, often impairing academic performance and emotional well-being. Emotional intelligence (EI), defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and regulate emotions, has gained attention as a protective factor against stress. This review-based study examines the relationship between EI and examination anxiety across diverse student populations. Evidence consistently demonstrates a negative correlation between EI and anxiety, suggesting that emotionally intelligent students are better equipped to manage exam-related stress. Studies from different cultural contexts reveal that components of EI such as self-regulation, motivation, and emotional awareness significantly buffer against the negative impact of test anxiety. Gender and age differences were also identified, with males often showing higher anxiety levels but better coping mechanisms, while females demonstrated higher EI in secondary school samples. The findings highlight the importance of integrating EI development programs into school and university curricula to promote academic resilience, reduce psychological distress, and foster holistic student development.