Factors Associated with Psychological Distress in University Students and the Relation to Emotional Intelligent and Spirituality: a Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Psychological health is the expression of harmonic expression of human’s personality and is often disrupted by multiple factors. Especially during academic years, human has to confront various stressful situations that endanger his Psychological health. Enhanced levels of Emotional Intelligence and Spirituality may act protectively enhancing his ability to manipulate his emotions and his existential anxieties. AIM: The present study aims to assess psychological distress in university students and test if emotional intelligence and spirituality are related. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed. The sample comprised 206 students attending in different Departments of the University of Thessaly. RESULTS: From the total of 206 students the majority were women (n=157, 76,2%) while 23,8% were men. Regarding the mean of age of the participants was found to be 30.1 ±7.15 with a minimum 18 and maximum at 44 years. Factors such as gender, living arrangement and financial frustration can affect psychological distress. The results indicated, a positive link was found among Emotional Intelligence and various factors of Spirituality and Psychological health. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of Emotional Intelligence and Spirituality is crucial to the acquisition of well-being, happiness and meaning in life.