This paper explores the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in coping with academic stress among school-going students. Academic stress, often triggered by exams, peer pressure, and parental expectations, significantly impacts students' mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. The paper discusses various causes of academic stress, the distinction between eustress (positive stress) and distress (negative stress), and the psychological and physical consequences of prolonged stress. It further examines how emotional intelligence plays a vital role in helping students manage stress by recognising, regulating, and adapting to emotional responses. The study highlights the importance of family support, which offers emotional, financial, informational, and instrumental assistance, in enhancing emotional intelligence and mitigating academic stress. The findings suggest that emotionally intelligent students are more resilient, better able to cope with academic pressure, and more likely to perform well academically. The role of parental involvement in shaping emotional intelligence and academic outcomes is also discussed.
Publication Date: 2026-02-28