UNH Personality Lab
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Abstract
We examine evidence for the validity of different measures under the label emotional intelligence (EI). Some measures are valid for the assessment of EI and others are valid for the assessment of socioemotional attributes (SEA). The constructs of EI and SEA are defined and measures of each described, along with the mental response processes the measures elicit: test-takers’ abilities, self-estimated attributes, or observer reports. Both EI and SEA measures are valid but for distinctly different purposes, and the two classes of measures make different predictions. We add our voices to those who have advocated for dropping the EI label from SEA measures to more clearly draw the distinction between the two. Being clearer about constructs and measures will enhance consulting in the workplace and other applied settings.
Publication Date
1-8-2025
Publisher
APA
Journal Title
Consulting Psychology Journal
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Mayer, J. D., & Caruso, D. R. (2025). Emotional intelligence and socioemotional attributes: Distinct constructs and their uses.Consulting Psychology Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/cpb0000293
Rights
© 2025 The Author(s)
Comments
This is an open access article published by APA in Consulting Psychology Journal in 2025, available online: https://dx.doi.org/10.1037/cpb0000293