Emotional intelligence of Saudi children in the basic education program.

OBJECTIVES: To explores emotional intelligence (EI)  among Saudi children in basic education programs.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was utilized. A convenience sample of students (n=684) from 10 schools in Saudi Arabia completed the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory-Youth Version. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS: Most students (mean 83.2) showed poor emotional and social skills (p less than 90 EI). Region, income, failing grades, father's educational level, and working status correlated positively (p less than 0.05) with EI. Living with parents, mother's educational level, grade point average, and a lack of health problems were significant predictors of EI. Conclusions. Basic education teachers and families face challenges in incorporating strategies to enhance children's emotional and social functioning.