The Relationship Between Cognitive Flexibility, Psychological Resilience, and Emotional Intelligence Among Students at Selected Universities

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the nature of the relationship between cognitive flexibility and both psychological resilience and emotional intelligence among a sample of Libyan university students, in light of the academic and psychological challenges they face. To achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive correlational approach was adopted. Three standardized scales measuring the study variables were administered to a random sample consisting of (147) male and female students from selected universities in the cities of Benghazi and Derna. Data were statistically analyzed using arithmetic means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that the level of psychological resilience among the sample members was high, whereas the levels of both cognitive flexibility and emotional intelligence were moderate. Furthermore, the findings revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between cognitive flexibility and both psychological resilience and emotional intelligence, while a weak negative correlation was found between psychological resilience and emotional intelligence. The results of the multiple regression analysis demonstrated that cognitive flexibility significantly contributes to predicting both psychological resilience and emotional intelligence. The study concluded that enhancing cognitive flexibility serves as a pivotal variable in supporting students' psychological and emotional framework. It recommended the development and implementation of counseling and training programs aimed at fostering flexible thinking skills and emotional intelligence to enhance positive adaptation and psychological well-being among university students.