In the context of my dissertation, I researched the connection between an individual's emotional intelligence and their interpersonal relationships. I focused on experiencing, recognizing, understanding, and managing one's emotions in various interpersonal relationships among social work students. The aim was to gain deeper insight into how experiences in family, romantic, and friendship relationships shape the emotional intelligence skills crucial for practicing the profession of social work. The theoretical section addresses emotional intelligence in relation to close interpersonal relationships and conflict situations. The research involved eight undergraduate students in their 4th year at the Faculty of Social Work in Ljubljana, selected through a non-random convenience sampling method. A partially standardized interview guide was used to collect data. The findings of the study suggest that individuals assess their emotional intelligence based on self-reflection, experiences in interpersonal relationships, and knowledge acquired during their studies. Emotional expression is more relaxed in friendships, while family and romantic relationships are often marked by barriers to emotional expression. Based on these findings, I propose the introduction of additional training within the study program and support groups for students, which would provide a safe environment to express emotions and cope with emotional distress.
|
