Emotional Intelligence and Personality: Prediction of the Different Levels of Anxiety in Undergraduates Studying a Degree in Pre-School and Elementary Education

Introduction: Anxiety is an emotion which is characterized by a set of cognitive, psychophysical and behavioral symptoms, showed by a subject before some situations which are perceived as threatening or dangerous. The aim of the present work was to know the relationship between anxiety, emotional intelligence and personality, as well as the predictive capacity of emotional intelligence and personality on anxiety. Method: To carry out this study, a sample of 140 participants aged between 19 and 28 years old (M = 22.57, SD = 2.16), belonging to Childhood and Primary Education Degrees of two Spanish universities was recruited. The study sample completed Emotional Quotient Inventory, Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24, NEO PI-R Personality Inventory and Anxiety Situations and Answers Inventory. Results: The correlation analysis revealed the existence of statistically significant relations between the constructs evaluated (emotional intelligence, personality and anxiety). On the other hand, multiple hierarchical regression analysis showed that some of the dimensions of emotional intelligence and personality significantly predicted anxiety levels. Discussion or Conclusion: The evaluation of the factors linked to anxiety favors the planning of programs which improve its treatment and prevention.