Emotional Intelligence and English Reading Comprehension Ability: A Case Study from Iran

The emotional intelligence (EI) construct is a relatively new concept with little empirical research. This study was an attempt to find the relationship between EI, gender, major, and reading comprehension ability of Iranian EFL learners. For this purpose, 268 students completed the Bar-On EQ inventory (1997) which included 133 items and took a reading comprehension test. It was found that females outperformed males in the reading comprehension test. However, no significant relationship was found between gender and major on one hand and reading comprehensions ability on the other hand. Subsequent data analysis revealed that the relationship between four EI scales (interpersonal, stress management, adaptability, and general mood) and reading comprehension ability was significant. However, no significant relationship was found between intrapersonal scale and reading comprehension ability. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between EI subscales and reading comprehension positive except for independence and assertiveness. The implications of the study and suggestions for further research are discussed.

Tayebeh Fani is a University Lecturer at Sama Technical and Vocational Training College, Islamic Azad University, Tehran branch, Iran where he has been a faculty member since 2009. She is doing her Ph.D. in TEFL at Islamic Azad University, Science and research branch, Tehran, Iran. She received her MA and BA degree from Allameh Tabatabaei University and Shiraz University. Her research interests lie in the area of second language acquisition, testing and assessment, and individual differences, though not limited to these areas. She has presented papers in international conferences around the world.