Title: Exploring the emotional terrain: a comprehensive systematic literature review of the effects of emotional intelligence on stress and performance

Authors: Swetha Suram; Vani Gayathri Rudra; Ramesh Kumar Miryala

Addresses: Department of Business Management, Mahatma Gandhi University, Nalgonda, 508254, India ' Department of Business Management, Mahatma Gandhi University, Nalgonda, 508254, India ' Department of Business Management, Mahatma Gandhi University, Nalgonda, 508254, India

Abstract: Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to an individual's ability in identifying, comprehending, and regulating their own emotions, beside their capability to perceive and manage the emotions of others. Stress, a prevalent feature of modern living has significant ramification for one's overall well-being. Understanding the EI role in stress management is crucial to promote psychological resilience and well-being. The focus of the study is to review the literature on the relation between EI and stress. This paper presents a structural overview of 98 papers published in Scopus indexed journals. The existing literature in the field is presented in four focus areas: the impact of gender on EI, EI and stress on performance, the relationship between EI and work-life balance (WLB), EI and stress. The findings indicate that gender differences exist in EI and stress levels, positive correlation between EI and performance, and contribution of EI to WLB.

Keywords: emotional intelligence; stress; systematic review; stress management; resilience; well-being.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHD.2025.144968

International Journal of Happiness and Development, 2025 Vol.9 No.1, pp.78 - 121

Received: 25 Jan 2024
Accepted: 25 Apr 2024
Published online: 14 Mar 2025 *