Emotional quotient of Thai kids falling: survey

EQ is a measure of the ability to identify, assess, and control the emotions of oneself, of others, and of groups.

“They are less happy. They are seeing more competition,” Rajanukul Institute director Panpimol Wipulakorn said. The latest survey covered 5,325 children aged between six and 11 years old in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Rayong, Samut Sakhon, Uttaradit, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Roi Et, Krabi and Pattani. 

According to Panpimol, raw scores from the 2011 survey revealed that Thai children’s EQ scores were lower than the normal range. 

The normal ranges require the scores to fluctuate between 50 and 100. However, Thai children’s average EQ scores stood at just 45.12 according to the 2011 survey. 

On adjustment to problems, the average scores stood at 46.65. On emotional control, the average scores were 46.50. On moral sense self satisfaction, the average scores were 45.65. On consideration for and understanding of other people’s feelings, the children scored 45.65 on average. On emotional adjustment, they earned 45.23. 

Panpimol said if categorised by region, children in the South had the highest EQ scores (45.95). In the North, children’s average EQ scores stood at 45.84. In Bangkok, children’s average EQ scores were 45.62. In the Central region, the average scores were 44.38. In the Northeast, children scored just 44.04 on emotional quotient.

Asked why the northeastern children scored the lowest in the EQ area, Panpimol said research had not yet been conducted to examine relevant factors. 

“But I believe it has something to do with the fact that many of the children in the Northeast are growing up far away from their parents who have become migrant workers in big cities. They may live with their grandparents but some elderly people have economic and health problems, which can affect their upbringing,” she said. 

Rajanagarindra Child and Adolescent Mental Health Institute director Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin said it was bad news that Thai children’s EQ scores have been falling. 

“But EQ can improve. If children get proper care from families, schools, and the society, their EQ can be better,” he said.