| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 929080 | Intelligence | 2013 | 8 Pages |
The construct of emotional intelligence (EI) has garnered increased attention in the popular media and scientific literature. Several competing measures of EI have been developed, including self-report and performance-based instruments. The current study replicates and expands on previous research by examining three competing EI measures (Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, MSCEIT; Bar-On Emotion Quotient Inventory, EQ-i; and Self-Rated Emotional Intelligence Scale, SREIS) and their relationships with cognitive functioning (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence; WASI), Big Five personality traits (NEO-PI-R) and emotional well-being (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, PANAS). Results indicated that significant variability in the self-report EI measures was accounted for by personality and emotional well-being measures, whereas the MSCEIT was more strongly associated with IQ. Overall, nearly two-thirds (62%) of the variance in EQ-i scores was accounted for by Big Five personality traits, emotional well-being and full scale IQ; whereas only 14% of the variance in MSCEIT scores was accounted for by these same variables. The present findings raise questions regarding the divergent validity of self-report EI measures from existing personality and emotional well-being measures. The implication of these results and directions for future research are discussed.
► The validity of competing emotional intelligence (EI) measures is examined. ► Self-report EI shared substantial variance with personality and emotion constructs. ► The performance-based MSCEIT was discriminable from personality/emotion variables. ► Findings question the discriminant validity of commonly used EI measures.
