Abstract Background and Aim: Nowadays, research interests in cancer, as the second reason of death in the world, concentrate on coping and adjustment styles. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the person's ability of perception and management of emotions in themselves and others, this ability is related to the individuals' health. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the relationship between EQ and adjustment in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This research is a correlational study, in which 60 cancer patients (22 males and 38 females) of the hospitals and therapeutic centers in Mashhad city were selected by cluster sampling. The patients completed the EQ inventory and Bell adjustment questionnaire. Afterwards, the data were analyzed using SPSS Software V.17 through Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results: There are relationship between EQ and physical adjustment )r=-.65) and emotional one )r=-.65), (p<.001). From EQ dimensions, conformity dimension predicted 43% of variance of physical adjustment. Temperament and stress management dimensions predicted 63% of emotional adjustment (p<.001). Also, there was a significant relationship between all the EQ components (15 components, except empathy) and physical (p<0.01) and emotional adjustment (p<.001). The most correlation ratio in physical adjustment and emotional adjustment was related to responsibility component (r=-.72) and self-respect (r=-.76), respectively. Conclusion: With regard to the positive relationship between EQ and adjustment in cancer patients and more adjustment in them, the strategies to improve EQ, such as special workshops in hospitals and therapeutic center, are recommended.

Keywords: Adjustment, cancer, emotional intelligence

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