PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

This study has two aims: first, to compare the effectiveness of emotional intelligence intervention through online learning versus face-to-face (traditional) learning methods among undergraduate students at a local university in Malaysia. Second, it assesses the impact of emotional intelligence learning on students’ mental health improvement. It is a 2 x 3 factorial quasi-experimental (online learning) using an equivalent control group (face-to-face learning) pre-post-test. Both experimental and control groups comprised 40 students, respectively. The study is set in a classroom and several computer labs in the designated university e-learning facilities. Mixed ANOVA repeated measures analysis results indicate that the online learning group shows no difference from the face-to-face learning group in emotional intelligence learning. Despite that, this study significantly impacts the growth of emotional intelligence skills on students’ mental health among online learning groups. In addition, there is improvement in students with depression over seven weeks of pre-post-test. We propose online learning to be as effective as face-to-face learning in teaching emotional intelligence in light of these findings. We further argue that online learning is more accessible and meaningful to undergraduate students’ emotional intelligence. This study suggests that emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for students to maintain optimal mental health during their studies. Nevertheless, further investigation is needed to develop a feasible and cost-effective online learning medium accessible to students of all backgrounds.

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