The use of defensive styles in relation to emotional intelligence, mindfulness, resilience and emotional maturity in adolescents

Abstract

The study on use of defense mechanisms in relation to emotional intelligence, mindfulness, resilience and emotional maturity was conducted. Sample of the study consisted of 120 participants (60 males and 60 females) in the age range of 18-21 years. Different psychological tools measuring different aspects were used. Schutte Self-report Emotional Intelligence Test (1998) measured emotional intelligence, Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) measured defense mechanism, Resilience scale -The 33-item Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) measured resilience, The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire measured mindfulness and Yashvir Singh & Bhargava's Emotional Maturity Scale (1999) measured emotional maturity. The findings of the study revealed that there is relationship between emotional intelligence, mindfulness, resilience with the use of three different types of defense mechanism styles the difference being significant at p <0.01 level. Whereas emotional maturity did not show any significant relationship with the use of three types of defense mechanism styles. Out of four independent variables mindfulness and resilience have been the best predictors of the variance for use of defense mechanism styles. No gender difference was observed in the use of defense mechanism styles. The study found significant difference between males and females on mindfulness. Males were found to be high on mindfulness compared to the females.