Emotional intelligence – ability, trait and competence: What researchers suggest

Abstract

The paper presents a short overview of Emotional Intelligence (EI), describes its theoretical models and measurement methods.  It presents three different models and approaches to the concept of EI: (1)  Ability-Based Model: According to this model, emotional intelligence is the ability to process emotional information. The model defines EI as the ability to perceive, understand, express, manage and regulate emotions (J. D. Mayer & P. Salovey, 1997); (2) Emotional Competencies Model. According to this model EI is a constellation of learned and acquired competencies developed throughout life (Goleman, 1998); (3)Trait EI Model (Bar-on 2006, Petrides & Furnham, 2000). Petrides and his colleagues suggest that Trait EI is ‘a constellation of emotional self-perceptions located at the lower levels of personality’. The paper also discusses the EI measurement instruments  based on these three models: Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT); Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ECI); Bar-On Emotion Quotient Inventory (EQ-I, EQ-360⁰, EQ-i: YV); Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TIEQue).