The Investigation Of The Attachment Styles, Emotional Intelligence, Empathic Tendency Of The Preschool Teachers

Abstract

Attachment theory is designed to explain individual differences in cognitions, feelings, and behaviors that occur in the context of close relationships. Emotional intelligence is included to perception, expression and control of emotions, self-control and empathy, communication, conflict resolution process. These theory and concepts become prominent for personality of preschool teachers. The purpose of the present study is to investigate attachment styles, emotional intelligence level and emphatic disposition of the preschool teachers. The study was carried out by using descriptive method. In line with the purpose of the study, the study was carried out among the 500 pre-school teachers (489 females and 11 males) working in primary schools in Mugla city in 2009-2010 school year. In the study, Personal Information Form, Relationship Scales Questionnaire, Bar-On Emotional Intelligence Measurement Scale and Emphatic Disposition Scale were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed through SPSS/ WINDOWS 14.0 program package. Regression and correlation analyses were used for data analysis. In order to interpret the Attachment Styles and Emotional Intelligence Scores and Empathy disposition regression analysis was employed. The findings of the study revealed that there are significant differences among the attachment styles, sub-dimensions of emotional intelligence and empathic dispositions based on the length of service, age and gender. Moreover, significant differences based on the length of service and gender variables were found among the attachment styles and sub-dimensions of emotional intelligence and empathic dispositions. The findings of the study were discussed in light of the previous findings reported in the literature in such a way as to provide guidance for further studies within the context of Attachment Styles, Emotional Intelligence and Empathic Disposition.