Evaluating Emotional Intelligence Training in High-Stress Occupations: A Behavioral and Biological Perspective

Abstract

Abstract In this research, we conducted a randomized control study in a military setting, where we compared measures of stress regulation and performance following emotional intelligence (EI) based training to a control group that received non-EI training. The EI-trained group underwent fifteen hours of training, focusing on recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions. We subsequently exposed participants to intense simulated real-life stressors and found that EI-trained participants demonstrated significantly (p < .01) lower biological-stress levels than the control group. We found further that 94% of EI-trained accurately performed tasks, compared to just 51.6% of controls (p < .001). Additionally, EI-trained participants demonstrated superior memory retention for mission-critical details during stress serials (p < .001); increased speed in complex mathematical calculations under pressure (56% vs. 19% correct answers, p < .001); and greater pain tolerance during cold water immersion (trainees persisted 72% longer, p < .001). These findings highlight the potential of EI training to enhance stress regulation and mental performance under pressure, offering valuable insights for improving employee well-being, organizational resilience, and avoiding burnout in high-stress environments.