THE ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN JEALOUSY AND EMOTIONAL DEPENDENCE AMONG COUPLES IN THE PERUVIAN RAINFOREST

This study aimed to determine the extent to which emotional intelligence predicts jealousy and emotional dependence in couples from the Local Educational Management Unit (UGEL) Tahuamanu, located in the Peruvian Amazon. A quantitative, correlational, and cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 374 participants completed the Wong-Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), the Brief Jealousy Scale, and the Emotional Dependence Questionnaire. The findings indicate that emotional intelligence is not a significant predictor of either jealousy or emotional dependence in this population. However, negative and statistically significant correlations were found between the self-emotion appraisal dimension and two specific aspects of emotional dependence: separation anxiety and partner-related changes in plans. Additionally, significant differences in jealousy and emotional dependence were observed according to educational level. These findings contribute to understanding relational dynamics in high-risk contexts and underscore the importance of psychoeducational interventions aimed at fostering emotional regulation and healthy attachment, particularly in rural areas with high social vulnerability.