Relations of emotional intelligence with gender-linked personality: Implications for a refinement of EI constructs

The present study examined the relationships of trait and ability emotional intelligence (EI) with the gender-linked personality (GLP) dimensions of Agency (intrapersonal orientation) and Communion (interpersonal orientation). The explanatory power of GLP over the Big Five personality traits in predicting each EI type was also investigated. As hypothesized, Agency was more strongly associated with trait EI than Communion, highlighting the intrapersonal nature of most trait EI factors. The hypothesis that ability EI would be more strongly associated with Communion than Agency was also supported. GLP explained incremental variance in trait EI over sex and the Big Five and in ability EI over sex only. Discussion focuses on the implications for the conceptualization and measurement of EI constructs.

► Agency (focus on the self) was the stronger correlate of trait EI.
► Communion (focus on others) was a stronger correlate of ability EI.
► GLP traits explained incremental variance in trait EI over sex and the Big Five.
► GLP traits explained incremental variance in ability EI over sex only.