Sports, recreation, and emotional intelligence: a bibliometric study on their relationship with academic performance (2000–2024)

Authors

  • María Dolores Laínez Villao Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena
  • Ana Patricia Cevallos Suarez Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena
  • Bertha Elizabeth Vera Rodríguez MINEDUC
  • Johanna Lilibeth Alcivar Ponce Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117603

Keywords:

Academic performance, emotional intelligence, recreation, sports

Abstract

Introduction: The link between sports, recreation, and emotional intelligence is a growing field that, over the last two decades, has gained relevance due to the influence of emotional and behavioral factors on academic performance.

Objective: To analyze, through a bibliometric approach, the scientific production published between 2000 and 2024 addressing the relationship between sports, recreation, emotional intelligence, and academic performance.

Methodology: A bibliometric approach was adopted, supported by systematic review techniques and documentary analysis.

Results: In the first decade (2000–2010), studies were scarce and focused mainly on initial explorations of emotional intelligence and sports. From 2015 onward, a significant increase was observed, particularly in the publication of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Discussion: The findings reveal a progressive growth of publications, with a predominance of systematic reviews and correlational studies in the university setting. However, gaps remain in geographic diversity, variable integration, and the absence of longitudinal studies.

Conclusions: The objective of identifying publication trends was achieved, as the findings showed that since 2010 interest in these topics has intensified, reaching its peak in the last decade. This reflects the consolidation of emotional intelligence as a key factor within the educational and sports fields.

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Published

20-10-2025

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Laínez Villao, M. D., Cevallos Suarez, A. P., Vera Rodríguez, B. E., & Alcivar Ponce, J. L. (2025). Sports, recreation, and emotional intelligence: a bibliometric study on their relationship with academic performance (2000–2024). Retos, 72, 1186-1195. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117603