Effects of an Emotional Intelligence Intervention on Justice-Involved Adolescents

Research has shown that emotional intelligence programmes can help improve adolescents' mental health, well-being, and behaviour. Although they are primarily applied in the school context, such programmes can also be adapted to specific populations. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an emotional intelligence programme for adolescents involved in legal proceedings, based on the ability model of emotional intelligence proposed by Mayer and Salovey. A quasi-experimental design was used with 231 Colombian adolescents aged between 14 and 18 (M = 15.55, SD = 1.30). Emotional intelligence and other well-being and mental health variables were assessed using self-report scales. Results indicated that adolescents who participated in the programme improved their emotional intelligence, resilience, and emotional stability, with reduced emotional symptoms, particularly stress. The results suggest that the implemented programme is useful in helping adolescents with behavioural problems improve their mental health and subjective well-being.