The relationship between emotional intelligence and addiction tendency in students of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences

Background: Emotional intelligence is a kind of emotional information processing which can protect individuals against substance abuse. The aim of this study was to investigate relation between emotional intelligence and addiction tendency. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive–analytic study, 240 students of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, chosen based on  the stage cluster sampling. Data was collected by demographic information and emotional intelligence (Brad Berry–Graves) questionnaire and addiction potential scale (APS) and were analyzed using Pearson regression, t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: Mean score of addiction tendency was 28.47 and  mean score of emotional intelligence (EQ) was 81.72. Findings of the research showed that there is a significant negative relationship between emotional intelligence and addiction tendency. In addition, based on Pearson analysis, there is a significant relationship between addiction tendency , self-awareness, social consciousness, self managementand relationship management subscales. Conclusion: people with a lower EQ have the higher tendency to substances abuse. EQ  training programs can be used as a preventive factor for addiction. &nbsp