Emotional Intelligence in Siblings of Patients Diagnosed With a Mental Disorder

Abstract

The current study assessed the ability of siblings of patients diagnosed with a mental disorder on a measure of emotional intelligence, the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso, 2002; Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT): User's Manual. Multi-Health Systems, Inc., Toronto, Ontario). Thirty siblings of patients diagnosed with a mental disorder by a mental health professional (mostly schizophrenia and bipolar disorders) completed the MSCEIT. Their performance was compared against the population mean of 100 (based on a sample of 5,000 participants) on different abilities of emotional intelligence. Siblings performed statistically better than the population on Experiential EIQ, the ability to perceive, to respond, and to manipulate emotional input without necessarily understanding it, and statistically worse than the population mean on Strategic EIQ, the ability to understand and manage emotions without necessarily perceiving or fully experiencing them. Experiential EIQ appears to be a strength while Strategic EIQ appears to be a weakness for siblings. Implications for therapy are discussed.

Keywords:

• siblings
• mental illness
• mental disorder
• emotional intelligence