PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND GENDER EQUALITY IN FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the psychological aspects of the relationship between emotional intelligence and gender equality in family relations. The relevance of the study is due to the growing attention to the problem of harmonizing marital interaction, establishing partnership principles in the family, and the need to overcome stereotypical behavior patterns that hinder the psychological well-being of women and men. The essence of the concepts of “emotional intelligence” and “gender equality” is revealed, their content in the context of family psychology is clarified. The manifestation of these phenomena in the system of family interaction is characterized, in particular in the field of emotional response, communication, role distribution, joint decision-making, and conflict resolution. It is determined that emotional intelligence is an important psychological resource for harmonizing marital relations, as it provides the ability to be aware of own emotions, empathy, self-regulation, constructive communication, and mutual understanding between partners. It has been found that the implementation of gender equality in the family depends on a complex of psychological factors, including emotional maturity, empathy, communicative culture, self-esteem, reflexivity, tolerance for differences and readiness for partnership. It is emphasized that it is these factors that create the psychological basis for mutual respect, fair distribution of responsibility and recognition of the right of each partner to self-realization. It is substantiated that a high level of emotional intelligence contributes to the formation of equal partnership and psychologically healthy family relationships, while gender stereotypes, emotional immaturity, a low level of reflection and insufficient communicative competence complicate this process, provoke conflicts, uneven distribution of responsibilities and emotional alienation. It is emphasized that the relationship between emotional intelligence and gender equality has not only theoretical, but also practical significance for psychological counseling of families, preparation of young people for marriage, and development of programs for the development of emotional competence. The feasibility of further empirical research on this problem is emphasized.