Research suggests that individuals who possess high levels of emotional intelligence tend to have better interpersonal skills, which can facilitate their ability to understand and relate to others regardless of their differences. Religiosity is defined as a person's belief in a higher power or powers that transcend human understanding and involves practices like worship, rituals, and sacred texts. Tolerance refers to an individual's openness to diverse perspectives, attitudes, and values, including those different from their own. Therefore, it is possible that emotional intelligence could act as a mediator between religiosity and tolerance, allowing individuals to be more accepting of others despite their religious backgrounds.
This hypothesis requires further investigation.
The current study examined whether emotional intelligence was associated with tolerance among people of various religions and how this relationship may differ based on gender, age, and education level. Participants were recruited through online platforms and completed a survey measuring emotional intelligence, religiosity, and tolerance. The results showed that emotional intelligence was positively correlated with both religious and secular tolerance but had no effect on intolerance across all groups. In other words, individuals who scored high on measures of emotional intelligence were more likely to be tolerant of different faiths and worldviews, even if they did not identify with them personally.
There was some evidence for moderating effects of gender and educational level, indicating that these factors may play a role in shaping the relationship between emotional intelligence and tolerance.
These findings suggest that emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in promoting interpersonal harmony and acceptance, particularly when it comes to religious diversity. They also highlight the importance of incorporating emotional intelligence into religious teachings and practices to foster greater understanding and respect among believers and non-believers alike. Future research should explore the mechanisms by which emotional intelligence may facilitate tolerance, such as empathy, perspective-taking, and emotional regulation. By better understanding the role of emotional intelligence in mediating the relationship between religiosity and tolerance, we can create more inclusive communities where differences are celebrated rather than feared or ignored.
How does emotional intelligence mediate the relationship between religiosity and tolerance?
Emotional intelligence refers to an individual's ability to identify, manage, and understand their own and others' emotions. Religiosity is defined as a set of beliefs, practices, and behaviors that are related to religion or spirituality. Tolerance involves accepting and respecting individuals who have different beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives from one's own. Studies suggest that emotional intelligence may play a role in how individuals interpret and respond to religious differences in their environment.