The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between candidate physical education teachers’ critical thinking dispositions and their emotional intelligence levels. The sample included 98 students (40 female, 58 male). In order to measure emotional intelligence “Bar-On Emotional Intelligence Inventory (Bar-On EQ)” developed by Acar (1) and In addition to this, “California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory” which was adapted to Turkish by Kökdemir (23) was used. Independent sample t- test, eta squared (η2) and Pearson correlation were used to analyze data. The results showed that, the female students’ scores were higher than the male students when the interpersonal dimension of EQ was regarded and also they were found more successful than the male students in stress management. When sex of the students were regarded,  critical thinking dispositions’ had no significant difference in open mindedness, analyticity, systematicity, self confidence, inquisitiveness  dimensions but in the truth significant dimension significant difference was found in favor of female students. The relationship between candidate teachers’ emotional intelligence and critical thinking dispositions were positive, intermediate level and significant.

Key Words: Emotional intelligence, critical thinking, thinking disposition