PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Manal F. Alharbi TI - Emotional intelligence of Saudi children in the basic education program AID - 10.15537/smj.2018.6.22141 DP - 2018 Jun 01 TA - Saudi Medical Journal PG - 615--621 VI - 39 IP - 6 4099 - http://smj.org.sa/content/39/6/615.short 4100 - http://smj.org.sa/content/39/6/615.full SO - Saudi Med J2018 Jun 01; 39 AB - Objectives: To explores emotional intelligence (EI) among Saudi children in basic education programs.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilized. A convenience sample of students (n=684) from 10 schools in Saudi Arabia completed the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory-Youth Version. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted.Results: Most students (mean 83.2) showed poor emotional and social skills (p<90 EI). Region, income, failing grades, father’s educational level, and working status correlated positively (p<0.05) with EI. Living with parents, mother’s educational level, grade point average, and a lack of health problems were significant predictors of EI.Conclusions: Basic education teachers and families face challenges in incorporating strategies to enhance children’s emotional and social functioning.