Exploring How Social Intelligence, Empathy, and Aggression are Interconnected in Adults

Abstract

The study investigates the association between social intelligence, empathy, and aggression in adults, employing a cross-sectional design. A sample of 200 adults (100 men and 100 women) aged 18-54 years was selected using a stratified sampling technique. Data was gathered via an online survey, and social intelligence, empathy, and aggression were assessed using the Tromso Social Intelligence Scale (TSIS), Empathy Assessment Scale (EAS), and Brief Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ), respectively. The SPSS analysis revealed a positive correlation between social intelligence and empathy, and a negative correlation between empathy and aggression. While social intelligence significantly predicted empathy, its impact on aggression was negligible. Females were observed to be more empathetic and less aggressive than males, indicating notable gender differences in empathy and aggression. Physical aggression and hostility were significantly higher in males, while verbal aggression and anger were higher in females, though the latter was not statistically significant.