Emotional Intelligence among American and Chinese Basketball Players

Post date: Apr 24, 2010 7:48:47 PM

Poster presented at the 90^th Annual Western Psychological Association Convention in Cancun. Mexico.

Abstract: In theory, higher levels of emotional intelligence can enhance social interactions. Team sports provide a context for numerous levels of interactions among players. Therefore, emotional intelligence could enhance player-to-player interactions within the team and, consequently, improve team performance. The present study was conducting to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and factors such as coachability, concentration, dealing with pressure, and freedom from worry. Forty-five American basketball players and 14 Chinese basketball players completed the EQ-i. Results show that the Interpersonal Competence factor of the EQ-i was the most important factor for performance-related indicators. In addition, American basketball players scored significantly higher than Chinese players on this factor. The results are discussed in terms cultural differences and coaching strategies.