Stimulating Emotional Intelligence in Seniors: The Peci-Pm Program

The Cognitive Stimulation and Emotional Intelligence for Seniors Program (PECI-PM), combines cognitive stimulation with intervention and stimulation of aspects related to emotional intelligence. The purpose of this study was to analyze the emotional intelligence results of the first stage of PECI-PM implementation. A sample of 28 program users who had completed 20 sessions and participated in the two evaluations (pre-post) was employed for this. Emotional Intelligence was evaluated before and after intervention using the Inventario Breve de Inteligencia Emocional para Mayores [Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory for Senior Citizens] (EQ-i-M20). After intervention with the PECI-PM, improvement was observed in most of the emotional intelligence dimensions (Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Adaptability and Mood). In the Stress Management dimension, there was no change in scores after intervention, which leads us to reconsider the weight of this emotional intelligence dimension in the older population. On the other hand, the role of the Interpersonal dimension, which correlates significantly with other emotional intelligence factors (Intrapersonal and Adaptability) in older people, should be emphasized.