Emotional Intelligence and Tolerance in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Correlational Study

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurological disorder that significantly affects psychological functioning and interpersonal adjustment. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and tolerance for disagreement among patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, while excluding other psychosocial variables assessed in the parent doctoral research. Using a correlational research design, clinically diagnosed MS patients (N = 90) were recruited from hospitals and neurology clinics in Peshawar, Pakistan. Participants completed the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i) and the Tolerance for Disagreement Scale (TFD). Pearson correlation and regression analyses were applied to examine associations between EI and tolerance. Results indicated a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and tolerance for disagreement, suggesting that higher emotional intelligence is associated with greater tolerance in interpersonal interactions among MS patients. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating emotional intelligence–based psychological interventions to enhance adaptive coping and social functioning in individuals with multiple sclerosis.