Communicative Competence Influence on Quality of Life Satisfaction in Russian and Belarusian University Students

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the research was to study the relationship between the quality of life satisfaction and such characteristics of communicative competence as emotional intelligence, perceptive and interactive competence in Russian and Belarusian university students trained to become specialists of helping professions. Methods: The sample consisted of 93 Russian psychology students and 92 Belarusian student-teachers, aged at 18-20. The students completed Quality of Life Index Scale (R. Eliot, adapted by N. Vodopianova), Emotional Intelligence Scale (G. Rezapkina’s version) and Communicative Competence Questionnaire (N. Fetiskin). Findings: The results of correlation, multiple regression and comparative analyses revealed two different models of communicative predictors of quality of life index in Russian and Belarusian students. For Russians the main predictors are self-motivation and mutual understanding, while for Belarusians they are emotional intelligence, self-regulation and mutual understanding. At the same time for Russian students such quality of life indicator as state of health depends on mutual understanding competence, while for Belarusians it is predicted by self-regulation. Discussion: We consider the received data to specify the influence of communicative competence on quality of life index due to cultural differences.