Chrzanowski, JaydenLauren Kathrins

Title:
Emotional Intelligence Skills Can Prevent Anxiety from Internet-Based Self Diagnosis

Abstract:
Literature-based research finds that the use of the Internet to self diagnose can increase an individual's health anxiety levels. Health anxiety describes an irrational worry over having a serious medical condition. Studies show that a positive correlation appears between an individual's anxiety levels and the act of searching symptoms online. As online symptom checkers become more prevalent in the modern world, health anxiety may become more of an issue. To control anxiety regarding Googling health problems, emotional intelligence can be applied. People with higher emotional intelligence have higher metacognition, which allows an individual to manage anxiety through reframing exercises and coping mechanisms that reduce the likelihood of hypochondriasis. Furthermore, emotional intelligence skills can make a person more aware of symptoms they are feeling, which is the first step to preventing persistent health anxiety.

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