Can ‘Emotionally Intelligent’ Coping Promote Adaptation in Young People?

A growing body of research supports a link between emotional intelligence (EI) and better educational and health outcomes in young people. However, little is known about the processes underpinning this association. Literature suggests that EI may promote adaptation by influencing coping processes. This article evaluates how far extant research supports these claims. It is concluded that whilst EI appears to make an adaptive contribution to the mental health of young people and has the potential to do so for educational achievement, effects appear context-specific. Gaps in current knowledge are highlighted together with recommendations for progression of the field.