Can Peer Victimization Invalidate the Positive Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Adolescents' Health-Related Quality of Life?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a key factor in adolescents' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Previous research has shown that higher EI is associated with better HRQoL outcomes. However, its protective role may be weakened by adverse experiences such as peer victimization. This study examined whether forms of peer victimization moderate the relationship between EI and specific HRQoL dimensions. METHODS: A total of 1427 Spanish adolescents completed a survey-based assessment, including validated measures of victimization (APRI-Bullying), HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-52), and EI (TMMS-24). Moderation effects were tested using multivariate linear regression and the PROCESS macro in SPSS. RESULTS: Verbal victimization moderated the associations between all EI dimensions and the "Social Support and Peers" HRQoL dimension. Social victimization moderated the relationships of "Attention" and "Clarity" with this dimension, whereas physical violence moderated the association between "Repair" and this dimension. No moderating effects were found for Psychological Well-being. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: School-based EI programs may enhance adolescents' coping with peer victimization and help protect HRQoL in victimized adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The positive association between EI and the HRQoL dimension related to perceived social support could disappear in adolescents exposed to moderate or high levels of peer victimization.