ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN MELAKA, MALAYSIA
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Abstract
The concept of emotional intelligence (EI) and psychological well-being is gaining more important as it is believed that caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who can achieve higher EI and greater psychological well-being will be more effective in caring and parenting children with ASD. This study aimed to explore the level of agreement on the EI and psychological well-being among caregivers of children with ASD in Melaka, Malaysia. The study employed an exploratory descriptive survey methodology, which involved a sample of 99 caregivers from selected children development centres. The participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The research employed a survey instrument comprising of questionnaires that have been adapted to include the items featured in the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). Meanwhile, the psychological well-being instrument was adapted from Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale (RPWBS). Findings revealed that the highest mean on the level of agreement of EI was recorded for facilitating emotions. Meanwhile, the highest mean on the level of agreement for psychological well-being was for the component of purpose in life. As all the mean scores are above 4.00, it is concluded that they are all equally important to ensure greater EI and psychological well-being among caregivers of children with ASD. The findings in this study are envisaged to guide stakeholders and policy makers to provide program support for parents to share experiences and provide support among those caregivers of children with ASD.
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