Page No:11-21
Bidyasundar Baksi, Trayambak Tiwari, Shreshtha Yadav, Anil Kumar Yadav
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Anju Lata Singh
Vasanth Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Varanasi
This study examines the influence of second language (L2) proficiency and personality
traits on working memory capacity and emotional intelligence (EI) among 76 Hindi-
English bilinguals. Participants were categorized into high, intermediate, and low
proficiency groups on the basis of their LexTALE scores. Personality traits—Extraversion,
Neuroticism, and Psychoticism—were measured using the Eysenck Personality
Questionnaire-Revised Short Hindi version (EPQRS-H). Working memory capacity was
assessed through the N-back test, utilizing hits, false alarms, and d prime as performance
indicators. Emotional Intelligence was evaluated using Multidimensional Self-Report
Emotional Intelligence Scale Revised (MSREIS-R) across four subscales: ability to
express and appraise emotions, utilize emotions, manage emotions in self, and manage
emotions in others. Results indicated that high proficient bilinguals demonstrated
significantly higher working memory capacity and overall EI compared to low proficient
bilinguals. Extraversion was positively associated with working memory and EI, while
Neuroticism and Psychoticism were negatively correlated. Mediation analysis revealed
that second language proficiency mediated the relationship between personality traits
and over-all EI. These findings underscore the cognitive and emotional benefits of
bilingualism, highlighting the role of personality in shaping these outcomes. The use of
d prime as a measure offers a refined perspective on working memory. This research
has implications for educational practices and cognitive training programs in multilingual
contexts.