Exploring the mechanisms mediating the relationship between emotional intelligence and subjective well-being

My thesis aims to identify the mechanisms that may mediate the link between emotional intelligence¹ and subjective well-being. Several mechanisms linked to an increase in well-being have already been identified in the field of "classical" and positive psychology. Depending on the approach chosen, the means and conditions leading to well-being vary. Classical psychology considers well-being as resulting from the mechanisms of managing negative emotions (fear, anger, sadness, etc.), whereas positive psychology, considers it as resulting from the regulation of positive emotions. Although different, the angles of approach of each field seem to be compatible in explaining the mechanisms at the origin of well-being.

Based on these two approaches, I will examine how mechanisms related to: (1) the regulation, (2) the evaluation, (3) the memorization, and (4) the production of emotions leads people high on emotional intelligence to feel more well-being. In particular, I will test whether well-being in people high on emotional intelligence, relative to those lower on emotional intelligence, is associated with a greater ability to:

1. decrease/increase the intensity and duration of negative/positive emotions.
2. evaluate a stressful situation as "manageable" (coping potential).
3. to remember more positive stimuli than negative ones.
4. to produce more positive and optimistic content.

The results of my research will allow me to identify the mechanisms mediating the relationship between emotional intelligence and well-being. The knowledge gained will facilitate the inclusion of training modules aimed at increasing well-being.

Dissertation supervisors:

• Prof. Dr. Fabrice Clément (University of Neuchatel)
• Prof. Dr. Marina Fiori (SFUVET)

_{¹ Emotional intelligence (EI) encompasses the abilities and self-perceptions related to the recognition, expression, understanding, and management of emotions (Petrides & Furnham, 2001; Salovey & Mayer, 1990).}