TY - JOUR T1 - Emotional intelligence of Saudi children in the basic education program JF - Saudi Medical Journal JO - Saudi Med J SP - 615 LP - 621 DO - 10.15537/smj.2018.6.22141 VL - 39 IS - 6 AU - Manal F. Alharbi Y1 - 2018/06/01 UR - http://smj.org.sa/content/39/6/615.abstract N2 - 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. ER -