The Role of Social and Dispositional Variables Associated with Emotional Processing in Adjustment to Breast Cancer: an Internet-based Study

Cognitive and emotional processing is seen as critical to successful adjustment to traumatic experiences, such as breast cancer. Cognitive and emotional processing can be facilitated by dispositional and social environmental factors. Emotional intelligence is a dispositional characteristic defined as the ability to understand, accurately perceive, express, and regulate emotions (J. D. Mayer & P. Salovey. 1997). This study investigated psychological adjustment as a function of emotional intelligence, social support, and social constraints in 210 patients recruited via postings to Internet-based breast cancer support groups. Regression analyses indicated high social constraints and low emotional intelligence were associated with greater distress. Evidence suggested high emotional intelligence could buffer against the negative impact of a toxic social environment. Results support a social-cognitive processing model of adaptation to traumatic events and suggest consideration of emotional intelligence may broaden this model.