Evaluation of a programme to improve emotional intelligence during adolescence

348 p.

Effects of an emotional intelligence program in variables related to the prevention of violence

In recent decades, numerous studies have shown a significant increase in violence during childhood and adolescence. These data suggest the importance of implementing programs to prevent and reduce violent behavior. The study aimed to design a program of emotional intelligence (El) for adolescents and to assess its effects on variables related to violence prevention. The possible differential effect of the program on both genders was also examined. The sample comprised 148 adolescents aged from 13 to 16 years. The study used an experimental design with repeated pretest-posttest measures and control groups. To measure the variables, four assessment instruments were administered before and after the program, as well as in the follow-up phase (1 year after the conclusion of the intervention). The program consisted of 20 one-hour sessions. The pretest-posttest ANCOVAs showed that the program significantly increased: (1) El (attention, clarity, emotional repair); (2) assertive cognitive social interaction strategies; (3) internal control of anger; and (4) the cognitive ability to analyze negative feelings. In the follow-up phase, the positive effects of the intervention were generally maintained and, moreover, the use of aggressive strategies as an interpersonal conflict-resolution technique was significantly reduced. Regarding the effect of the program on both genders, the change was very similar, but the boys increased assertive social interaction strategies, attention, and emotional clarity significantly more than the girls. The importance of implementing programs to promote socio-emotional development and prevent violence is discussed.

Hezkuntza emozionala: errealitate teorikotik praktikara jauziz

Ondorengo lerroetan eskolan ikasleen garapena sustatzeko orduan kontuan hartu diren alderdiak aztertuko dira. Alde batetik urteetan zehar inteligentzia kognitiboa garatzea garrantzitsuena denaren ikuspuntuaren azalpenak agertzen dira, baita hau neurtzeko sortu ziren lehenengo probak aipatu ere. Bestetik, ikaslearen garapen integrala sustatzeko bidean, inteligentzia anitzen agerpenarekin alderdi emozionala garatzeari eman zitzaion garrantzia azaltzen da. Ondoren, ikaslearen garapen emozionala sustatzeko bidean hezkuntza emozionalaren inguruko ideiek ikasleen garapen integralari egiten dioten ekarpena azalduko da. Azkenik, teorikoki jorratutako ideiak praktikara eramango dira eskolako errealitaterako sekuentzia didaktikoa sortuz, testuinguru konkretu bateko ikasleengan garapen integrala bermatuko duen alderdi emozionalaren lanketa dramatizazioaren bitartez emanez.