Overview of Our Research on the Impact of Spiritual and Emotional Intelligence on Satisfaction with Life and Anxiety and Depression as Key Predictors of Well-Being Among Emerging Adults

The chapter discusses our two studies of emerging adults enrolled in higher education. The first focused on emerging adults as students in Israeli institutions; the second compared similar groups studying in Israel and India. In each case, we investigated the impact of spiritual intelligence and emotional intelligence on satisfaction with life and how these constructs of personal agency might reduce anxiety and depression as primary mental health challenges faced by emerging adults. Results of both studies generally supported the premise that aspects of spiritual intelligence should be viewed as loosely connected factors with varying impacts on target variables. At the same time, emotional intelligence was a sound predictor of increased satisfaction with life, along with reduced anxiety and depression. However, in our second study, both gender and national identity were significant in understanding results. These findings may help educators determine efficacious pathways to help emerging adults face the challenges that lie ahead.