Trait Emotional Intelligence: Moving Forward in the Field of EI

Abstract

This chapter suggests that two constructs of emotional intelligence (EI) should be distinguished based on the measurement method used in the operationalization process. Trait EI (or ‘trait emotional self-efficacy‘) concerns emotion-related dispositions and self-perceptions measured via self-report, whereas ability EI (or ‘cognitive-emotional ability’) concerns emotion-related cognitive abilities that ought to be measured via maximum-performance tests. The view of them as different constructs implies that the operationalization of one does not have implications for that of the other. Still, the discussion suggests that ability EI will eventually find its place along the ever-growing number of pseudo-intelligences on the fringes of scientific psychology.