Emotional Intelligence and Problem Solving Among Pre-service Teachers: The Mediating Role of Creativity

OpenAlex · İngilizce

The The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of creativity in the relationship between emotional intelligence and problem solving in teacher candidates. The study was conducted using the relational screening model. 260 teacher candidates studying at different state universities in Turkey participated in the study. 197 of these students were female and 63 were male. The ages of the participants ranged from 18 to 45, and the average age was 22. 37. 70 of the participants were in the 1st, 73 in the 2nd, 51 in the 3rd, and 66 in the 4th grade. The Emotional Intelligence Trait Scale–Short Form, Adult Problem Solving Scale, Individual Creativity Scale, and Demographic Information Form were used in the study. Regression-based bootstrapping analysis was used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the analyses, positive statistically significant relationships were found between emotional intelligence, problem solving, and creativity. In addition, the indirect effect of creativity on the relationship between emotional intelligence and problem solving was found to be significant. It was found that creativity has a partial mediating role in the relationships between emotional intelligence and problem solving and the five sub-dimensions of problem solving in teacher candidates. According to the results, as the level of emotional intelligence increases, so does the level of creativity, and this increase in the level of creativity also increases the level of problem solving.