DOI: https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs2023175513 ORIGINAL ARTICLE P J M H S Vol. 17, No. 5, May, 2023 513 Can Emotional Intelligence and Forgiveness bring a Difference? Comparison between Clinically Diagnosed Individuals and Normal Population UMAIR AHSAN 1 , ROOMANA ZEB 2 , SAIMA ARZEEN 3 1,2,3 Department of Psychology, University of Peshawar Correspondence to: Saima Arzeen, Email: saimaarzeenmehar@uop.edu.pk ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of the current study was to determine whether the absence of positive qualities such as emotional intelligence and forgiveness contribute to the occurrence of psychopathology. Method: To achieve this objective, a group of 150 participants (n=100 psychologically healthy; n=50 psychologically disturbed) was chosen using a purposive convenience sampling technique. The participants varied in terms of age (18-50 years), gender, education, and socioeconomic status. The researchers administered the Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT,2009) and the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (2005) to the sample. Findings/Results: The findings indicated a significant predictive relationship between emotional intelligence and forgiveness, highlighting their positive influence. Conclusion: Moreover, a noteworthy distinction was observed between psychologically disturbed individuals and the general public regarding both emotional intelligence and forgiveness. Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Forgiveness, Psychopathology INTRODUCTION Psychopathology, a term encompassing various mental disorders and maladaptive behavioral patterns, continues to pose significant challenges to individuals and societies worldwide 1 . In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant rise in psychological issues and psychopathology, marking a concerning global trend. This surge in mental health challenges has been extensively documented by numerous studies and reports 1 . According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people worldwide will be affected by a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lives 2 . In Pakistan, the rise in psychological issues and psychopathology has become a pressing concern 3 . The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reported that about 34% of the country's population suffers from psychological problems, emphasizing the need for further investigation 4 . Various factors contribute to this phenomenon, including societal pressures, economic instability, political unrest, and the impact of natural disasters 5 . Research studies have highlighted the prevalence of conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse disorders in Pakistan 6 . While past research has focused on factors such as poor parental relationships and genetics, there is a growing interest in the role of positive internal factors, such as forgiveness and emotional intelligence, in the development and persistence of psychopathology 7, 8 . This research aims to explore the relationship between the absence of positive qualities and the manifestation of psychopathology in order to provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms 9 . The variables are described here: Emotional intelligence: Goleman's (1995) concept of emotional intelligence emphasizes the importance of positive attributes such as self-confidence, political awareness, achievement motives, and conscientiousness, which aid individuals in problem-solving. Emotional intelligence comprises four mental abilities: perceiving emotions, using emotions to enhance thinking, understanding emotions, and managing emotions. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in facilitating adaptive coping strategies, interpersonal relationships, and overall psychological well-being 10, 11 . Conversely, deficiencies in emotional intelligence have been linked to the development and maintenance of various psychopathological conditions 7 . Researches investigating the relationship between emotional intelligence and psychopathology has yield compelling evidences. For instance, a study by Schutte et al. (2007) found that low emotional intelligence was significantly correlated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Individuals lack emotional intelligence tend to struggle with identify and regulate their emotions, leading to difficulty in manage stress and adapt to challenging life circumstance 7 . Hertel, Schutz and Lammers (2009) found significant difference in emotional intelligence of diagnosed case of borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, depression with normal individuals 12 . Sasanpour, Khodabakhshi, and Norryan (2012) studied emotional intelligence, happiness and psychological health in student population. The results showed positive relationship among emotional intelligence, mental health and happiness 13 . Likewise, Butt (2014) found religious orientation and emotional intelligence significantly affected psychological distress. Emotional intelligence account for more variation in psychological well-being than religious orientation, whereas religious orientation also have significant association with emotional intelligence 14 . Likewise, Vaishnavi, & Manini, (2022) studied managers in banking sector and sought the relationship between emotional intelligence and forgiveness with psycho- immunity. Results indicated that individuals with higher emotional intelligence and forgiveness had more psycho-immunity that lead to mental health 15 . Forgiveness: Forgiveness, a complex psychological process involving the intentional relinquishment of negative feelings and resentment towards a transgressor, has garnered considerable attention in recent years due to its potential impact on mental health outcomes. Enright (1991) described forgiveness as "withholding one's right to show aggression, contempt, or negativity in light of some wrongdoing" (p. 45). The process of forgiveness is voluntary and intentional, resulting in a change in attitude and feelings such as an increased capacity to wish well for the guilty person. It enables individuals to support, excuse, forget, pardon, and reconcile 16 . Enright's (2001) Forgiveness model proposes four stages: (i) uncovering the pain, (ii) making the decision to forgive, (iii) gaining insight into the wrongdoing, and (iv) discovering purpose and meaning in the process of forgiveness 17 . Extensive research suggests that forgiveness plays a crucial role in promoting psychological well-being, resilience, and interpersonal functioning. Conversely, the absence of forgiveness has been associated with the occurrence and maintenance of psychopathology 8 . Studies have linked unforgiving attitudes and behaviors to a range of psychopathological conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 18 . For instance, a meta-analysis by Wade et al. (2014) demonstrated a significant negative relationship between forgiveness and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Failure to forgive oneself or others can lead to rumination, increased stress, and prolonged negative affect, ultimately contributing to the onset or exacerbation of psychopathology 8 . Similarly, Webb & Phillips (2018) this longitudinal analysis focused on the impact of forgiveness on mental health following widowhood. The results showed that