Emotional intelligence linked to fewer conflicts and longer relationships, MyIQ analysis shows.

MyIQ released new research revealing that emotional intelligence, not romantic gestures, is emerging as the strongest predictor of lasting relationships. The findings, based on a survey and assessment data from 4,237 MyIQ users, indicate that couples who score higher on emotional intelligence and self-awareness report 40 percent fewer conflicts and nearly two years longer relationship duration than those with lower scores.

The analysis drew from survey responses and self-reported scores on MyIQ’s emotional intelligence and relationship dynamics tools, aiming to understand how users perceive the impact of cognitive and emotional traits on their relationship quality. Participants were asked to rate the importance of various relationship behaviours and communication styles. When presented with the choice between hearing “I love you” and feeling emotionally understood, 72 percent said that understanding their partner’s emotional needs mattered more.

Further, 58 percent reported that their most constructive arguments involved reflection and empathy rather than defence and justification. Among couples where both partners scored high on MyIQ’s emotional intelligence index, relationship satisfaction ratings were more than twice as likely to fall in the “very satisfied” range.

According to Sarah Meyer, Managing Director of MyIQ, “Our data shows a measurable shift in what sustains modern relationships. Emotional intelligence, empathy, reflection, and self-awareness have become the new love language. Partners who can regulate emotions and recognise each other’s internal states are building stronger, more resilient bonds than ever before.”

The report highlights how cultural attitudes toward connection are evolving. MyIQ analysts point out that digital trends, from TikTok’s focus on "emotionally mature dating" to growing interest in attachment theory, mirror the same shift observed in their data. In particular, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit have helped turn psychological literacy into a mainstream value. Hashtags such as #emotionallyavailable and #selfawareness routinely generate millions of views, reflecting a generational shift away from performative romance toward emotional depth. The rising popularity of therapy-oriented language, terms like "emotional labor," "gaslighting," and "trauma bonding", indicates that younger demographics are actively building vocabularies for discussing feelings, boundaries, and emotional needs. Emotional intelligence, once considered a niche domain of professional psychology, is now a common lens for evaluating compatibility and communication.

These findings align with broader psychological models that link emotional intelligence to relationship success. The capacity to identify and regulate one’s own emotions, as well as to interpret and respond to the emotions of others, is foundational to constructive conflict resolution. Emotionally intelligent partners are more likely to pause before reacting, validate each other’s experiences, and seek mutual understanding rather than blame. Over time, these habits reduce emotional volatility and foster a sense of psychological safety, a key predictor of long-term relational stability.

Self-awareness, another key component in MyIQ’s assessment model, enables individuals to recognize how their own thought patterns and attachment styles influence relational dynamics. This introspective clarity not only reduces miscommunication but also supports more intentional behavior: high self-awareness scores correlate with a greater willingness to apologize, compromise, and adjust behavior when needed.

While the study does not claim causality, MyIQ’s data patterns were consistent across genders, age groups, and relationship lengths. The company suggests that as emotional intelligence becomes a widely discussed metric of compatibility, tools that measure and develop these skills may redefine how people approach dating, commitment, and personal growth.

MyIQ’s findings underscore that emotional fluency may soon hold as much weight in relationships as verbal affirmation once did. In a world where communication is constant but understanding is scarce, the platform’s research points toward a more self-aware and emotionally literate model of love, one that values empathy over expression alone.

About MyIQ:
MyIQ was launched in 2024 and is used by over a million individuals worldwide. It is a digital self-knowledge platform that offers more than an IQ score, with over 9 million completed tests across the various test categories, cognitive, personality, and relationships, all with personalised, actionable insights. The platform offers over 25 brain games, more than 150 intelligence puzzles, over 20 hours of expert video content, and 300+ available lessons on emotional intelligence, problem-solving, innovation, confidence-building, and decision-making. Through its IQ test, full-spectrum personality assessment, and relationship insight quiz, MyIQ delivers structured, personalized feedback that helps individuals better understand their inner world and behaviour.

Media Contact:
MyIQ
pr@myiq.com
Sophie de Villiers
PR Manager