Emotional intelligence and quality of life in family caregivers of older adults: a pilot study

Authors

Keywords:

Emotional Inteligence, quality of life, Family caregivers, Older adult, Chronic diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging has increased the number of older adults living with chronic diseases, leading to a higher demand for family caregiving. Family caregivers often experience physical, emotional, and social demands that may negatively affect their quality of life. Emotional intelligence has been proposed as a personal resource that facilitates emotional regulation and coping with stressful situations. Objective: To analyze the relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life in family caregivers of older adults with chronic diseases. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 30 family caregivers over 18 years old selected through non-probabilistic sampling in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. A sociodemographic questionnaire and two instruments were applied: the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24) to measure emotional intelligence and the Family Caregiver Quality of Life Scale developed by Ferrell. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation. Results: The mean emotional intelligence score was 82 (SD = 15.7), while the mean quality of life score was 209.9 (SD = 42.9). A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between emotional intelligence and quality of life ((rs= .578 < p = .001). Conclusions: Emotional intelligence is positively associated with the quality of life of family caregivers, suggesting that strengthening emotional skills may improve caregivers’ well-being and coping with caregiving demands.

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Author Biographies

  • Valeria Llian Cardona Ramirez, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, México

    Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Nursing with an emphasis in Geriatrics from the Autonomous University of Coahuila. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Nursing and Nutrition at the Autonomous University of Coahuila. Her research interests include gerontological nursing, older adult care, family caregivers, emotional intelligence, quality of life, and nursing research.

  • Edna Idalia Paulina Navarro Oliva, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, México

    She holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science and is a full-time professor and researcher at the Faculty of Nursing and Nutrition, Autonomous University of Coahuila. She is engaged in teaching, research, and the training of nursing professionals. Her scientific work focuses on emotional intelligence, mental health, addictions, psychological well-being, and research methodology. She has participated in national and international research projects and has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications.

  • Dafne Astrid Gomez Melasio, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, México

    She holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science. She is a professor and researcher at the Faculty of Nursing and Nutrition, Autonomous University of Coahuila. She is involved in teaching and research activities related to health care, the education and training of nursing professionals, and the development of scientific research projects in the field of nursing.

  • Luis Carlos Cortez Gonzalez, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, México

    He holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science. He is a professor and researcher at the Faculty of Nursing and Nutrition, Autonomous University of Coahuila. He is engaged in teaching, research, and the education and training of nursing students. His academic interests include applied research and comprehensive person-centered nursing care.

  • Mario Enrique Gamez Medina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, México

    He holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science. He is a professor and researcher at the Faculty of Nursing, Los Mochis Campus, Autonomous University of Sinaloa. His academic work focuses on nursing research, research methodology, and the development of research projects aimed at health promotion and the care of individuals.

  • Edgar Bresó Esteve, Universidad Jaume I, Castellon de la Plana España

    He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a professor and researcher in the Department of Developmental, Educational, Social, and Methodological Psychology at Jaume I University, Castellón de la Plana, Spain. His research interests focus on positive psychology, psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, work engagement, and occupational health.

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Published

2026-07-31

Issue

No. 6 (2026): Revista Científica FEMUAS

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Original Article

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How to Cite

Emotional intelligence and quality of life in family caregivers of older adults: a pilot study. (2026). Revista Científica FEMUAS, 6, 11-31. https://revistas.uas.edu.mx/index.php/FEMUAS/article/view/1770