Exploring the Relationship between EQ and Intermediate EFL Learners’ Speaking Performance: A Gender Study

Abstract

This study was an attempt to investigate the relationship between speaking proficiency of Iranian EFL learners and their Emotional Intelligence (EI) and gender. To this end, 40 students aged 16 to 19 from Avaye Zaban Institute in Tehran during the academic year of 2015-2016 took part in this study. The data was analyzed through SPSS (21), using descriptive statistics and analysis of the results of the Nelson English Language Test, Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory, and Farhady et al. speaking proficiency scales. The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between EI and the intermediate Iranian learners’ speaking performance. Besides, a significant relationship was found between their EQ scores and the amount of their English language proficiency on fluency. Finding of the study also showed that there was a significant difference in problem solving, independence, self-actualization, optimism, and self- regard components of emotional intelligence. This indicates that the emotional capacity of male and female students has developed differently, and they have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to emotional intelligence.