Role of Emotional Intelligence in Coping with Academic Stress among College Students

Abstract

College life is a period of rapid academic, social and personal change. Students are expected to manage examinations, assignments, attendance requirements, competition, career uncertainty and changing interpersonal relationships. These demands can become sources of academic stress when students perceive that the requirements placed on them exceed their available resources. Although academic stress is common, students do not respond to it in the same manner. Individual differences in emotional awareness, emotional regulation and coping may influence how academic demands are interpreted and managed. Emotional intelligence refers broadly to the capacity to perceive, understand, use and regulate emotions in oneself and in interactions with others. In an academic context, emotionally intelligent students may recognize anxiety before an examination, understand the reason for frustration after The paper synthesizes relevant theoretical perspectives and educational implications, highlighting the importance of supportive and developmentally appropriate approaches.