Examining the dimensional structure and factorial validity of the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory in a sample of male athletes

ObjectivesResearch examining how emotional intelligence (EI) relates to the performance of athletes has been conducted using various EI measures including the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i; Bar-On, 1997), but no one has investigated the factor structure of the EQ-i in the area of sport psychology. The current study explored the dimensional structure and factorial validity of the EQ-i in a sample of male athletes.DesignConfirmatory factor analysis was used to examine Bar-On, 1997 and Bar-On, 2004 model of emotional–social intelligence and the 1-5-15 dimensional structure which underpins the EQ-i.MethodA total sample of 706 male athletes from various sports and competing at the national age group level through to the professional level of competition completed the EQ-i.ResultsConfirmatory factor analyses demonstrated that the 1-5-15 dimensional structure was a poor fit for the data. A re-specification of the model representing the best fit for the data was a 1-4-15 dimensional structure. The factorial validity of the individual subscales was also examined at the item level using confirmatory factor analysis. Thirteen of the 15 subscales showed close, reasonably good, or mediocre fit for the data.ConclusionFurther construct validation of Bar-On’s model and measure is required. Sport psychologists administering the EQ-i in applied practice should consider using the EQ-i subscales rather than referring back to the 1-5-15 dimensional structure.

► No one has investigated the factor structure of the EQ-i (Bar-On, 1997) in sport.
► We examined the construct validity of the EQ-i in a sample of male athletes.
► Analyses demonstrated that the 1-5-15 dimensional structure was a poor fit.
► Thirteen of the 15 subscales showed close, reasonably good, or mediocre fit.