Keywords
Emotional intelligence
Resilience
Emerging adults
How to Cite
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines emotional intelligence, resilience, and purpose as psychosocial predictors of sustainable happiness among emerging adults undergoing career transitions in Tamil Nadu, India. It seeks to understand how these interrelated psychological constructs contribute to emotional well-being, adaptability, and purpose-driven fulfillment during the critical shift from education to employment.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 411 emerging adults categorized into three career transition groups: education-to-education, education-to-work, and work-to-work. Validated scales measuring emotional intelligence, resilience, and purpose were employed, and data reliability and validity were confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha, KMO, and Bartlett’s tests. Factor and correlation analyses identified relationships among the variables, while theoretical integration drew upon Emotional Intelligence Theory, Resilience Theory, and Purpose-Driven Life Models.
Findings: Results reveal strong, positive correlations among emotional intelligence, resilience, and purpose, with all three significantly contributing to sustainable happiness. Emotional intelligence enhances emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships; resilience supports coping and recovery; and purpose provides intrinsic motivation and direction. Purpose further mediates the relationship between emotional intelligence, resilience, and sustainable happiness, suggesting that psychosocial well-being arises from their dynamic interplay.
Research Limitations/Implications: Findings are based on a regional sample and self-reported measures. Future longitudinal and cross-cultural studies are recommended.
Originality/Value: The study advances understanding of sustainable happiness as an evolving psychosocial construct, emphasizing the need for integrated educational and policy interventions that foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and purpose-driven development among youth.
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