Purpose

The present study examined the risk factors of psychological disorders after COVID-19 outbreak and tested the possible mediating role of social support and emotional intelligence on the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic exposure and psychological disorders.

Methods

We conducted an online survey from May 25, 2020 until June 10, 2020 among Chinese university students who had been quarantined at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social support was assessed using the Social Support Rating Scale. Self-perceived emotional competency was measured using a Chinese version of the self-report Wong Law Emotional Intelligence Scale. The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to assess nonspecific symptoms of psychological disorders.

Results

A total of 6,027 college students participated in the survey, of whom 2,732 (45.3%) reported mental health issues. Men and people in a relationship showed higher frequencies of psychological disorders. Social support and emotional intelligence were both negatively associated with psychological disorders. Stepwise linear regression revealed that the most important predictors of psychological disorders were self-emotion appraisal, family relationships, and showing panic about COVID-19 on the social media. Path analysis suggested that the association between pandemic exposure and psychological disorders was partially mediated by emotional intelligence, but not by social support.

Conclusions

Emotional intelligence may mediate the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic exposure and psychological disorders. Psychological interventions fostering emotional intelligence and social support should be implemented among university students to reduce the psychological harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic