Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health Problems among adolescents in Vietnam

There was little evidence about the association between emotional intelligence (EI) and mental health problems among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate this relationship among 1,593 attending-school adolescents in Central Vietnam. Results revealed that depression, anxiety, stress and lifetime suicidal thoughts were high prevalent among students. EI was found as a protective factor to mental health problems among Vietnamese adolescents. This study’s robust data provided reliable evidence about mental health problems among Vietnamese adolescents. They inform strategies to improve mental health of adolescents in Vietnam, addressing EI via prevention and early intervention programs.