London Psychometric Laboratory
at UCL


 
Bookmark London Psychometric LaboratoryBookmark Us
 

Overview

The theory of trait emotional intelligence (trait EI or trait emotional self-efficacy) emerged from the distinction between two EI constructs (ability EI and trait EI; Petrides & Furnham, 2000, 2001). A succinct description of the distinction appears in the Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Psychology (Ed. G. Davey, 2005) and can be downloaded from here.

The twofold aim of the research program is to provide a comprehensive operationalizations of emotion-related individual differences and to examine their impact across the life-span.

Definition

Trait emotional intelligence is formally defined as a constellation of emotional self-perceptions located at the lower levels of personality hierarchies (Petrides, Pita, & Kokkinaki, 2007).  Trait EI essentially concerns peoples self-perceptions of their emotional abilities.  An alternative label for the same construct is trait emotional self-efficacy.

Sampling domain

Below is a list of the 15 trait emotional intelligence facets, along with a brief description of each.  These facets comprise the current sampling domain of trait emotional intelligence in adults and adolescents.  

The Sampling Domain of Trait Emotional Intelligence in Adults and Adolescents

 

Facets

High scorers perceive themselves as…   

 

Adaptability

…flexible and willing to adapt to new conditions.

Assertiveness

…forthright, frank, and willing to stand up for their rights.

Emotion perception (self and others)

…clear about their own and other people’s feelings. 

Emotion expression

…capable of communicating their feelings to others.

Emotion management (others)

…capable of influencing other people’s feelings. 

Emotion regulation

…capable of controlling their emotions. 

Impulsiveness (low)

…reflective and less likely to give in to their urges. 

Relationships

…capable of having fulfilling personal relationships.

Self-esteem

…successful and self-confident. 

Self-motivation

…driven and unlikely to give up in the face of adversity. 

Social awareness

…accomplished networkers with excellent social skills. 

Stress management

…capable of withstanding pressure and regulating stress. 

Trait empathy

…capable of taking someone else’s perspective. 

Trait happiness

…cheerful and satisfied with their lives. 

Trait optimism

…confident and likely to “look on the bright side” of life.

 

 

Brief description of academic research program

The trait emotional intelligence research program has its roots in K. V. Petrides PhD research, conducted between 1998-2001 at the then Department of Psychology in University College London, under the supervision of Professor Adrian Furnham and Professor Norah Frederickson.

The program was formally launched at the Institute of Education, University of London in 2002, and transferred to UCL in 2008, when the London Psychometric Laboratory was set up. 

We collaborate with many colleagues around the world and are always interested in proposals for joint projects.  Hitherto, various organizations have supported the program both in the UK and internationally.

 

 
NEWS
 
TEIQue manual
Commercial
LinkedIn