Abstract:

Emotional intelligence (EI) can be summarized as the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and influence the emotions of others. EI can help individuals manage emotions when feeling overwhelmed, and at work can help with skills related to conflict management. The EQi 2.0 is a self-report measure of emotional and socially intelligent behaviour based on the Bar-On model of emotional intelligence. This assessment also provides a happiness score that can be used as a barometer of emotional health and well-being. The EQi 2.0 defines happiness as satisfaction with life; content. Happiness is delineated from the other EI abilities in that it contributes to and is a product of EI. Stress tolerance, defined by EQi 2.0, is the ability to cope with stressful situations. The ability to cope effectively can be associated with happiness and well-being. While there is research available regarding technical professionals and job satisfaction, there is minimal research concerning technical professionals and happiness.

This paper aims to explore happiness and stress tolerance among working technical professionals pursuing graduate studies and leadership development. Using EQi 2.0 emotional intelligence self-report assessment to measure happiness and stress tolerance, this study aims to determine:
(i) whether there is a correlation between happiness and stress tolerance and
(ii) whether there are differences in gender, age, and type of technical professional.

Results indicate there is a weak to moderate correlation (r= .44) between happiness and stress tolerance. There were statistically significant differences in happines between genders, however there were no statistically significant differences in happiness and stress tolerance between age groups or type of technical professional. In this sample, self-regard, which is defined as respecting oneself, while also accepting individual strengths and weaknesses, and is often associated with fortitude and self-confidence was most highly correlated (r=.69) with happiness. The high degree of correlation between self-regard and happiness is consistent with previous research. Overall, the results conclude that for technical professionals, that the ability to cope with stressful situations and life satisfaction are moderately correlated. These results indicate that there are other indicators to consider when investigating happiness for technical professionals.

Keywords:

Happiness, stress, emotional intelligence, well-being, technical professional.