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  Background & objectives: The theory of emotional intelligence provides new perspective on how to predict the influential factors on success as well as the early prevention of mental disorders. Based on the evidences, the people with special emotional skills are unique in various areas of life. Considering the important role of emotional intelligence (EI) in emotional and mental health disorders, this study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between emotional intelligence and mental health.

  Methods: A correlation design was used to conduct the study. Using stratified random sampling method, 420 male and female employees of petrochemical center in Bandar-e-Imam Khomeini, Khuzestan, Iran were selected to participate in the study. Data were collected by the researcher using questionnaires including demographic form, the Goldenberg’s mental health inventory and the Emotional Intelligence Bar-on scale. The data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics in SPSS-16. Statistical tests were considered significant at p-value less than 0.05.

  Results: The Results of the study indicated the mean score of emotional intelligence (EI) and the mean score of mental health of petroleum employees were 198.75±29.22 and 20.34±10.88, respectively. In addition, there was a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and mental health (r= 0.66, p<0.001).

  Conclusion: Based on the results there was a significant and direct relationship between mental health and emotional intelligence . However, because petroleum employees work in a stressful condition, it is recommended for them to involve in physical and recreational activities as well as in related educational courses to cope with stress and consequently to improve their mental health status.