This study examined emotional intelligence and psychological distress among refugees in Benue State, Nigeria. The study specifically determined emotional intelligence significantly influenced psychological distress and whether psychological distress differed between male and female refugees. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study population comprised 6,536 Cameroonian refugees residing at Ikyogen Refugee Settlement, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. Using Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 384 respondents was determined, while convenient sampling was used for participant selection. Data were collected using the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Multiple linear regression was used to test the influence of emotional intelligence on psychological distress, while an independent-samples t-test was used to examine gender differences. The findings showed that emotional intelligence did not significantly influence psychological distress among refugees, R = .125, R² = .016, F(5, 378) = 1.202, p > .05, accounting for only 1.6% of the variance. However, utilization of emotions made a significant negative contribution to psychological distress. Furthermore, no significant gender difference in psychological distress was found, t(382) = -1.401, p > .05. The study concludes that emotional intelligence and gender alone may not adequately explain psychological distress among refugees. Contextual factors associated with displacement may play a more important role. The study recommends comprehensive psychosocial interventions that address the broader social and environmental challenges experienced by refugees.

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Distress.