Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Suicidal Ideation in Sri Lanka

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Suicidal Ideation of Sri Lankan population. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling method that consist 12 subjects, 6 per each gender. Qualitative mixed method was adopted as the method of study. Emotional intelligence Scale (EIS) by Schutte et al (1998) was used to measure Emotional Quotient of participants quantitatively and semi structured interviews to collect qualitative data in relating to Suicidal Ideation. EQ tool scoring and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis involved in analyzing the data. Analysis identified three super ordinates themes that were facilitating factors, coping strategies and inhibitory factors with twelve emerged sub themes. Findings of this study indicate that comparatively those with high EQ tend to use more coping strategies than the people with low EQ when they face negative experiences and use inhibitory methods to eliminate suicidal ideation. Further they have never had any suicidal ideation in their lives and they are good at expressing and regulating their emotions than low EQ holders. Thus it is concluded that there is an indication of having a specific relationship between emotional intelligence and suicidal ideation in Sri Lankan population.