**3. Results**

The sample size was 2574 for all analyses. Table 1 presents the means and standard deviations of the study variables, as well as the evidence for reliability. It was evident that the instruments were reliable (above the 0.70 value).



M: mean; SD: standard deviation; *α*: Cronbach's alpha.

Table 2 presents the correlations between self-esteem, resilience, and the EI dimensions (appraisal and expression of emotion in self, appraisal and recognition of emotion in others, self-regulation of emotion, and use of emotion to facilitate performance) that had a significant and direct correlation with SWL.

#### **Table 2.** Correlation matrix of the study variables (n = 2574).


\*\* *p* < 0.001.

Sex differences were tested using the independent sample *t*-tests (see Table 3). The results show statistically significant differences in favor of men on resilience, appraisal and recognition of emotion in others, and self-regulation of emotion. The mean scores were significantly higher for women than men on self-esteem and appraisal and expression of emotion in self.



M: mean; SD: standard deviation; *t*= independent samples *t*-test; d: effect size using Cohen d.

Simultaneous multiple regression analysis was performed. Self-esteem, resilience factors (personal competence and acceptance of self and life), and the EI dimensions

(appraisal and expression of emotion in self, appraisal and recognition of emotion in others, self-regulation of emotion and use of emotion to facilitate performance) were considered predictor variables, and SWL was considered a criterion variable.

Table 4 presents the results of simultaneous multiple regression. The results revealed a coefficient of multiple determination of 0.48 indicating that self-esteem, self-regulation of emotion, the use of emotion to facilitate performance, and acceptance of self and life accounted for 48% of the variance in life satisfaction, while personal competence inversely predicted SWL. The variables appraisal and expression of emotion in self, and appraisal and recognition of emotion in others were not significant in SWL. To ensure the absence of multicollinearity, the tolerance values and the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) were verified. As a rule of thumb, tolerance values < 0.10 and VIF > 10.0 are a sign of multicollinearity [82,83], the predictor variables did not have tolerance values < 0.10 nor VIF > 10.0.


**Table 4.** Simultaneous multiple regression analysis to predict satisfaction with life.

B: non-standardized beta coefficient; *β* standardized beta coefficient.
