Emotional quotient of Thai kids has fallen for a decade: survey
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Thai children's emotional quotient (EQ) scores have dropped from 186.42 in 2002 and 179.58 in 2007 to 169.72 in 2011, a survey by the Public Health Ministry's Mental Health Department revealed.
EQ is a measure of the ability to identify, assess and control one’s emotions, those of others and of groups.
“They are less happy. They see more competition,” Rajanukul Institute director Panpimol Wipulakorn said. The survey cov?ered 5,325 children, aged between six and 11, 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 normal. The normal range of raw scores lies between 50 and 100, but Thai children’s EQ scores averaged at just 45.12.
On adjustment to problems, the average score stood at 46.65. On emotional control, the average scores were 46.50; on morals and self-sat?isfaction, the average was 45.65. On being considerate and understand other people’s feelings, the children scored 45.65 on average and on emo?tional adjustment, they earned 45.23.
Panpimol said if categorised by region, children in the South had the highest EQ scores (45.95), while those in the North averaged at 45.84. In Bangkok, children’s average EQ scores were 45.62. In the Central region, the average score was 44.38, while in the Northeast they scored just 44.04.
Asked why children in the Northeast scored so low, Panpimol said relevant factors had not been studied yet.
“But I believe it might have to do with the fact that many children in the Northeast are not living with their parents, who have migrated to work in big cities. They might be living 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 that Thai children’s EQ scores have been falling. “But the quotient can improve if they get proper care from families, schools and society,” he said.
