The aim of this study is to test the mediating role of social intelligence in the relationship between interpersonal negative problem solving and interpersonal rumination in university students. In the study, Interpersonal Problem Solving Inventory, Rumination about An Interpersonal Offense Scale, and Tromso Social Intelligence Scale were applied to 400 students (213 female and 187 male) studying in different faculties. The data were tested using Pearson moments multiplication correlation coefficient and structural equation model analysis. Research results have shown that social intelligence has a negative and meaningful relationship with interpersonal negative problem solving and interpersonal rumination. In addition, this study found a positive and meaningful relationship between interpersonal negative problem solving and interpersonal rumination. Furthermore, research results have shown that social intelligence has a full mediating role in the relationship between interpersonal negative problem solving and interpersonal rumination in university students ( ?^2/sd= 1.75, p < .001, RMSEA= .04, SRMR= .03, GFI= .98, AGFI= .96, IFI= .99, CFI= .99). In other words, the predictability of interpersonal negative problem solving of interpersonal rumination has been eliminated in the model of the structural equation by the inclusion of the mediatory variable which is social intelligence. This result has been discussed in light of theoretical and empirical data.

Social intelligence, interpersonal negative problem solving, interpersonal rumination