EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND DYADIC ADJUSTMENT IN PATRIARCHAL SOCIETIES: EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence and dyadic adjustment among married individuals in an indigenous cultural context. A quantitative correlation survey research design was employed, and a sample of 205 legally married individuals (67.3% were female) was obtained through purposive snowball sampling. The research aimed to explore the role of emotional intelligence and years of marriage in dyadic adjustment. The Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test and Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale were used to gather data through an online Google form. The results showed a significant weak positive relationship between emotional intelligence and dyadic adjustment, with emotional intelligence remaining high as years of marriage progressed but dyadic adjustment decreasing with an increase in years of marriage. The findings suggest that emotional intelligence and years of marriage play a limited role in the dyadic adjustment of married individuals. This study provides an indigenous perspective on the institution of marriage, which is of utmost importance in Asian culture, and contributes to the literature on emotional intelligence and dyadic adjustment. The current findings can be used to develop indigenous intervention plans for marital adjustment and conflict resolution