Women who engage in vigorous physical activity are more likely to report higher emotional intelligence, according to a population-based study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences. The research found a specific link between high-intensity exercise and the ability to manage emotions and perceive the states of others in women, an association that was not present in male participants.
Vigorous Exercise and Emotional Intelligence in Women
Researchers analyzed data from 6,368 adults between 18 and 64 years old using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test and questionnaires regarding daily routines. The study categorized participants into four activity levels: sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous.
While the data showed that emotional intelligence scores increased with age for both genders, a distinct pattern emerged for women. Higher emotional intelligence scores in women correlated with more time spent in vigorous physical activity and less time remaining sedentary. This link remained consistent regardless of the woman’s age. In contrast, the researchers found no such association for men.
Did you know? The Mayo Clinic defines “vigorous” exercise as activities that elevate the heart rate and leave a person out of breath, such as biking hard, swimming laps, or running.
Why Intensity Matters for Emotional Health
Medical experts suggest the connection may be complex. Michael Richardson, MD, a family medicine and sports medicine physician in the Boston area, stated that the link is likely “multifactorial and nuanced,” making it difficult to draw specific conclusions on why the association exists for women but not men.
Bert Mandelbaum, MD, a sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, suggests a different angle. He proposes that individuals with higher emotional intelligence might be more aware that increased effort in an exercise routine leads to greater results. Mandelbaum also notes that high emotional intelligence is linked to a better ability to handle stressful situations, which may play a role in the drive to maintain vigorous workouts.
Comparing Activity Trends Across Genders
The study highlighted a baseline difference in how men and women reported their activity and emotional scores. Generally, women reported higher emotional intelligence scores than men and were more likely to engage in light-intensity physical activity. However, the specific “boost” in emotional intelligence scores was only tied to the most intense levels of exercise in the female cohort.
Pro Tip: While this study shows an association, it does not prove that harder workouts create emotional intelligence. Use vigorous exercise for its established physical and psychological benefits regardless of the score.
The Broader Impact of High-Intensity Training
Although the study focuses on an association rather than a cause-and-effect relationship, physicians emphasize the overall value of pushing physical limits. Dr. Richardson notes that vigorous exercise provides numerous known psychological and physical benefits, and this research adds a layer to how activity connects to social and emotional health.
Dr. Mandelbaum adds that the capacity to push oneself hard is a trait available to everyone to achieve more success, regardless of their starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does working out harder increase my emotional intelligence?
The study found an association, not a cause. It does not claim that vigorous exercise develops emotional intelligence, only that women who do it more often tend to score higher on emotional intelligence tests.
Why wasn’t the same link found in men?
Researchers and doctors, including Dr. Michael Richardson, noted that the reasons are not entirely clear and are likely nuanced and multifactorial.
What counts as “vigorous” exercise?
According to the Mayo Clinic, activities that significantly raise your heart rate and leave you out of breath—such as running or hard biking—qualify as vigorous.
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