Mindful environmental adaptation

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and physical and academic performance in Marine Corps recruits and active Marines. Using emotional intelligence theory (Mayer, Caruso, & Salovey 1999; Mayer Salovey & Caruso, 2004) and the mindfulness in sport (MIS) construct (Gardner & Moore, 2004; Thienot, et al., 2014); this study assessed the predictive power of emotional intelligence and mindfulness in relation to individual physical and academic performance. Sixty male and female Marines and 39 Delayed Entry Program (DEP) recruits aged 18 to 26 completed measures of emotional intelligence and mindfulness, and their physical and academic performance measures were collected and analyzed. Individual data was analyzed following a relational research methodology using Pearson's r correlational coefficient and ANOVA in SPSS. Results suggested that emotional intelligence, and emotional intelligence and mindfulness combined, predict academic success in DEP recruits. Results also suggested that emotional intelligence predicts academic and physical success in Marines.