This study examines the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and psychological distress in young adults from Soriano, Uruguay, with the aim of identifying vulnerable emotional dimensions that may guide context-sensitive preventive strategies. Recent increases in depression, anxiety, and stress among young people in Latin America highlight the need for culturally grounded approaches. The research focused on determining how deficits in specific EI dimensions relate to higher levels of emotional symptoms and whether these areas could be strengthened through structured psychoeducational interventions. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was used. A total of 128 young adults completed the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) to assess emotional competencies and the DASS-21 to measure depression, anxiety, and stress. Statistical analyses included descriptive measures, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression models. Results showed that the Intrapersonal dimension, linked to emotional self-awareness, was the strongest negative predictor across all indicators of psychological distress. Individuals with lower emotional insight presented significantly higher levels of depressive, anxious, and stress-related symptoms. Although Stress Management obtained low average scores, it did not reach significance in the regression models, suggesting a secondary or indirect effect. Interpersonal and Mood dimensions did not show significant associations. Based on these findings, a psychoeducational program titled “Know Yourself to Take Care of Yourself” was developed to strengthen emotional self-awareness and stress regulation as key competencies for youth well-being. This study provides empirical support for community-based interventions and contributes to the understanding of emotional factors underlying mental health in young adults.

Authors:
Leonel Pinazzo, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Mexico
César Augusto Sierra Varón, Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana, Mexico

About the Presenter(s)
Leonel Pinazzo Pérez is a Psychologist and Master’s student in Clinical Psychology at Universidad de la República, Uruguay. His interests include adolescent mental health, emotional intelligence, and school-based interventions.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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