This study explores the relationship between emotional intelligence and the choice of reading strategies among Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Emotional intelligence, which encompasses the ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others, has been increasingly recognized as a vital factor in language learning. Understanding how emotional intelligence influences reading strategy choices can offer valuable insights into optimizing language learning experiences. The research utilizes a mixed-method approach, including surveys and interviews, to gather data from Iranian EFL learners. The findings reveal significant connections between emotional intelligence and the adoption of specific reading strategies, providing implications for language educators to develop tailored pedagogical approaches that foster emotional intelligence and enhance reading proficiency in EFL contexts.

Emotional intelligence, reading strategies, Iranian EFL learners

Aghasafari, M. (2006). On the relationship between emotional intelligence and language learning strategies. Unpublished master’s thesis, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Iran.

Alderson. J. C. (2000). Assessing reading. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Bar-On, R. (1997). The Bar-On emotional intelligence inventory (EQ-i): A test on emotional intelligence. Toronto, Canada: Multi-Health Systems.

Bar-On, R. (2000). Emotional and social intelligence: Insights from the emotional quotient inventory (EQ-i). In R. Bar-On & J.D.A. Parker (Eds.). The handbook ofemotional intelligence. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Bar-On, R. (2006). The Bar-On model of emotional-social intelligence (ESI). Psicothema, 18, 13-25.

Bar-On, R. (2007). How important is it to educate people to be emotionally intelligent, and can it be done? In R. Bar-On, J.G. Maree, & M.J. Elias (Eds.). Educating people to be emotionally intelligent. Westport, CT: Praeger.

Bar-On, R., & Handley, R. (1999). Optimizing people: A practical guide for applying emotional intelligence to improve personal and organizational effectiveness. New Braunfels, TX: Pro- Philes Press.

Barrett, L.F., & Salovey, P. (2002). Introduction. In L. F. Barrett & P. Salovey (Eds.), The Wisdom in Feeling (pp. 1-8). The Gilford Press, New York.

Boyatzis, R., Goleman, D., & Rhee, K. (2000). Clustering competence in emotional Intelligence: Insights from the emotional competency inventory. In R.J. Bar-On & J.D. Parker (Eds.), Handbook of Emotional Intelligence (pp. 343-362).San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.