Emotional Intelligence As A Potential Underlying Mechanism For Physical Activity Among Malaysian Adults

Abstract

As we all know the benefits of physical activity (PA) on physical and mental health are well established. However, inactivity among adults in Malaysia is still prevalent. This study examined whether emotional intelligence (EI) was one of the possible underlying psychological mechanisms that may be associated with the current low levels of PA adherence. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine whether EI plays a role as the potential underlying mechanism of PA behaviour among Malaysian adults. A total of 172 supporting staffs were recruited at a local Malaysian university. It was found that supporting staffs with higher physical activity in a week had better total EI scores and composite subscale scores. The findings of this study provide further support on the claims that there is a positive relationship between increased levels of EI and physical activity. Thus, the importance of higher emotional intelligence is critical in helping to bombard the sedentary lifestyle and inactivity among Malaysian adults. Therefore, training programs for university staffs in emotional intelligence skills is seen to be one of the upmost important agenda that should be looked at in the public sectors to help in promoting exercise and physical activity participation. It is highly recommended that the programs should be targeted at the maximum level towards individual who were sedentary and low active.