IMPACT OF FAMILY PATHOLOGY ON EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

A close relationship with primary caregivers of children plays a significant role in shaping their emotional as well as affective life in adulthood (2008). Saarni(2000) identified emotional competence as the ability or skill to identify, express, regulate and understand our own, as well as others' emotions. Family pathology is indicated by family discord particularly between spouses and between children and parents. The aim of this study is to measure the correlation between the level of family pathology and emotional competence of an individual. This study hypothesizes that higher family pathology has a negative correlation with emotional competence of an individual. The current study endeavoured to address a research gap in the literature regarding conflict in the family influencing emotional competence of an individual. It will also help in understanding how conflict or discord in the family can influence the emotional development of an individual from a psychological point of view. Results indicate that higher the level of family pathology lower will be the emotional competence of individuals.