Emotional intelligence in dissociative disorders: predictive role and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions

Abstract

Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in consciousness, identity, and emotional regulation, often linked to early trauma. Emotional intelligence has emerged as a crucial factor in both the development of these disorders and psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at improving affective regulation. This study examines the relationship between emotional intelligence and dissociative disorders, focusing on its predictive role and the effectiveness of related therapeutic interventions. A theoretical review was conducted on 14 international studies published between 2014 and 2024, examining the relationship between emotional intelligence and dissociative disorders. The studies include clinical and interventional research using standardized methods, evaluating therapies such as DBT, mindfulness, CFT, and EFT. Low emotional intelligence was consistently associated with more intense dissociative symptoms. Participants with limited self-regulation capacities experienced greater difficulties in managing identity fragmentation and depersonalization. Therapeutic programs focused on developing emotional skills led to significant clinical improvement in most reviewed studies. Improvements were noted in self-perception, emotional stability, and affective engagement, particularly after mindfulness and emotion-focused interventions. These outcomes supported the therapeutic relevance of emotional intelligence in clinical recovery. The hypothesis that low emotional intelligence is a significant risk factor for dissociative disorders was confirmed. Therapeutic interventions focusing on developing emotional intelligence proved effective in reducing symptoms and enhancing overall emotional functioning.