How does Emotional Intelligence Coaching/Instruction Support College Students?

Many college students are not equipped emotionally to handle the challenges they face in college. As a result, large percentages of students face overwhelming anxiety, depression and loneliness that interferes with their academics as well as their overall well-being. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students.

By assessing, coaching and integrating positive emotional skill-building into campus programs, students can substantially increase their EI scores and give students the strategies they need to decrease stress, recognize and regulate their emotions, improve interpersonal skills, problem-solve and make better decisions for themselves. Moreover, research indicates that higher emotional intelligence increases student success in a variety of ways:

• Improved academic performance (Mann & Kanoe, 2010; Sparkman et al, 2012)

• Less likelihood to be on academic probation (Evenson 2008)

• Higher grades in online courses (Berenson, Boyles & Weaver, 2008)

• Less likely to withdraw after first year (Kanoy, 2011; Qualtier et al, 2009)

• More likely to graduate and to do so within 6 years (Sparkman, 2012; Keefer, Parker & Wood, 2012)

• Decreased alcohol use (Pritchard & Wilson, 2003) and marijuana use (Claros & Sharma, 2012)