Trends Psychiatry Psychother. 2019 Jan-Mar;41(1):94-102. doi: 10.1590/2237-6089-2018-0001. Epub 2019 Apr 11.
Emotional intelligence and schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a critical review.
Trends in psychiatry and psychotherapy
Fernanda de Marzio Pestana Martins, Keila Pereira Leite, Alisson Paulino Trevizol, Julio Ricardo de Souza Noto, Elisa Brietzke
Affiliations
Affiliations
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
PMID: 30994788
DOI: 10.1590/2237-6089-2018-0001
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a theoretical construct postulated by Mayer and Salovey to designate the ability to perceive, understand, use and manage emotions. The study of EI in schizophrenia offers new insights into the disorder's cognitive and functional impacts.
OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively review studies analyzing EI impairment in schizophrenia spectrum disorders using standardized instruments.
METHODS: Searches were run on MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and SciELO databases. The only validated instrument used was the Multifactor Emotional Intelligence Scale (MSCEIT). Articles that used all branches of the MSCEIT to assess EI in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and healthy controls were included in the review.
RESULTS: We found 30 articles on this topic. The studies analyzed showed a significant impairment of MSCEIT total score in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders when compared to healthy controls. In relation to the MSCEIT branches, understanding of emotions and management of emotions are the most impaired branches.
CONCLUSION: Since most studies are cross-sectional, it is not possible to establish a cause and effect relationship between EI deficits and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Therefore, longitudinal studies are needed to establish a clearer relationship between these variables. By so doing, we may be able to intervene for prevention and management of these disorders, aiming at better quality of life for patients.
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