THE MEDIATING ROLE OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON JOB STRESS AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE

Gabriella Panjaitan (Universitas Riau Kepulauan)
Dhenny Asmarazisa (Universitas Riau Kepulauan)
Catur Fatchu Ukhriyawati (Universitas Riau Kepulauan)

Multidiciplinary Output Research for Actual and International Issue (Morfai Journal)
Vol. 5 No. 6 (2025): Multidiciplinary Output Research For Actual and International Issue

This critical review examines the mediating role of emotional intelligence (EI) in the well-established relationship between job stress and employee performance. While the direct negative impact of stress on performance is well-documented, this article synthesizes existing literature to argue that EI acts as a crucial psychological buffer in this dynamic. The analysis differentiates between ability and trait models of EI and elucidates the "stressor-detachment" pathway—whereby high-EI individuals appraise stressors as challenges, effectively regulate emotions, and achieve psychological detachment, thereby preserving cognitive resources and performance. The findings suggest that EI is not merely a direct predictor but a key mechanism that explains significant variance in how stress impacts workplace outcomes. The review concludes that organizations should prioritize developing EI as a strategic intervention to enhance employee resilience and maintain performance in demanding work environments