Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Interpersonal Skills (IPS): The Moderating Role of Attachment Style (AS)?

Introduction

Interpersonal skills are abilities that we use in daily life to connect and interact with others; personally and in groups. The significance of interpersonal skills is reflected in the study conducted by Deveci (2019), in which the results showed that the performance of the students was above average, reflecting their predisposition to interpersonal communication promoting lifelong learning, which is newly established. Although interpersonal skills have been known to be fairly straightforward behavioral rituals, a more contemporary definition of a skilled person is more complex: a person who can evaluate his/her broader impact and can flexibly apply a variety of interaction techniques to achieve a set of objectives (Bigelow, 2015). Interpersonal interaction is the sine qua non of marriage, family, and participation in society. The more interpersonally skilled a person is, the more likely it is that he can successfully negotiate fulfilling marriage, family, and extended social relationship networks which can be recognized as immutable (Spitzberg, 2003). This presents an interesting notion to further implore different variables that may have an impact on interpersonal skills. People are often in connection with their surroundings and communication. The nature of this interaction and communication can be influenced by several factors. These factors may derive either from personal or other external factors which makes it pertinent to evaluate the factors that affect interpersonal skills on the whole. According to the attachment theory, individuals develop mental models during infancy, adolescence, and adulthood which are linked to their relationships with other people. Attachment styles are cognitive factors that can modify levels of stress and incapacity under unfavorable situations, which can induce negative stress effects to seem light (Khledian, 2013). 

On the other hand, Salovey and Mayer (2016) defines emotional intelligence as a form of social intellect in which a person observes one's own and other emotions, discriminates between them, and utilizes this to direct their behavior and thought. Past experiences, personal characteristics, desires, attitudes, and aspirations of individuals may affect their interpersonal relationships. Above everything, emotional intelligence is another aspect worthy of consideration within people's relationships (Hamarta, Deniz & Saltali, 2009). 

Background of the Problem

Interpersonal skills are an important aspect of an individual’s life that can have multiple implications on how they conduct themselves in different parts of their life. A few researchers have taken into account different variables that may have some impact on interpersonal communication (Anwer, Moazama & Maqsood, 2017). The relationship between attachment style and emotional intelligence is significant in terms of interpersonal skills. In light of these descriptions, this current study takes into account the relationships between attachment style, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills and devises if there is a moderating relationship between emotional intelligence and attachment style on interpersonal skills.

Aim and objectives 

To test the correlation between EI and IPS, AS and IPS

To find further if EI and AS can have a moderating effect on IPS

To evaluate the extent of the effect of EI and AS on IPS

To provide relevant recommendations on how to improve IPS in the future

Research Questions

How to test the correlation between EI and IPS, AS and IPS?

How to find further if EI and AS can have a moderating effect on IPS? 

How do evaluate the extent of the effect of EI and AS on IPS?

What are the relevant recommendations that may improve IPS in the future?

Hypothesis 

H0: There is an insignificant influence of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Interpersonal Skills (IPS) on the moderating role of Attachment Style (AS).

H1: There is a significant influence of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Interpersonal Skills (IPS) on the moderating role of Attachment Style (AS).

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this research is to observe if there is a moderating role between attachment styles in the relationship between emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. It is important to conduct this study because of a lack of research in this particular area. Various researchers have previously worked on the connection between emotional intelligence and attachment (Kamel-Abbasi et al., 2016).  However, limited information is available related to the moderating relationship between emotional intelligence and attachment style to interpersonal skills. This makes it pertinent to carry out the research to form a conclusive evaluation of the connection between emotional intelligence, attachment style, and interpersonal skills, and to moderate the relationship between attachment style and emotional intelligence on interpersonal skills to help fill the gap present in the existing literature and to help future researchers who are carrying out research in the same area. 

Another important contribution of the research may be that it may help other professionals have a better grasp of the concepts described. The research can aid psychologists, mental health professionals, and educators to use the research findings to help support the perspectives of learners on certain social skills development needs. Moreover, it may help parents, caretakers, and educators to prepare mutual interventional approaches to strengthen their interpersonal skills. Hence, the study provides a valuable contribution to this area of research.