Preliminary validation of the construct of trait social intelligence

Trait social intelligence (trait SI or trait social self-efficacy) refers to a constellation of social self-perceptions located at the lower levels of personality hierarchies. We present results from two studies testing the validity of this construct, operationalized via the Trait Social Intelligence Questionnaire (TSIQue). From a pool of 130 individuals, 15 high and 15 low trait SI scorers were selected to participate in two laboratory studies. In Study 1, high trait SI participants were significantly more accurate than their low trait SI peers in identifying facial expressions presented on a computer screen; in Study 2, they were significantly more likely to judge some form of apology as appropriate, following a social transgression described in a short vignette. The results provide preliminary support for the validity of the construct of trait SI and of the TSIQue as its operationalization vehicle.