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Stability and Change in Trait Emotional Intelligence in Emerging Adulthood: A Four-Year Population-Based Study
- Source :
- Journal of Personality Assessment. 103:57-66
- Publication Year :
- 2019
- Publisher :
- Informa UK Limited, 2019.
-
Abstract
- Trait Emotional Intelligence (EI)-related competencies are in growing demand in educational and vocational settings. The present study assesses the developmental dynamics of trait EI in emerging adulthood by capitalizing on the inclusion of a measure of trait EI in the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) called the Emotional Quotient Inventory: Mini (EQ-i: Mini). A sample of 1064 young adults (50% female) from ages 20-21 to 24-25 years was used to assess 4-year rank-order stability and mean-level change of trait EI, as well as whether the EQ-i: Mini functions equivalently over time (longitudinal measurement invariance). Results revealed full configural, partial metric, and scalar invariance of the construct for this time period. The Stress Management subscale achieved invariance at the residual level. After controlling for partial non-invariance, moderate levels of rank-order stability coefficients were found, suggesting malleability of the construct during emerging adulthood. Consistent with the maturity principle, there was a moderate increase in trait EI (specifically in the Interpersonal and Adaptability subscales). The malleability of trait EI suggests opportunities for enhancing socioemotional competencies in emerging adults, such as through formal and continuing education programing, on-the-job training, and targeted employment interventions.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Male
050103 clinical psychology
Adolescent
Psychometrics
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Stability (learning theory)
050109 social psychology
Self-Control
Developmental psychology
Young Adult
Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
0501 psychology and cognitive sciences
Longitudinal Studies
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence
05 social sciences
Achievement
Self Efficacy
Developmental dynamics
Population based study
Clinical Psychology
Vocational education
Trait
Female
Psychology
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 15327752 and 00223891
- Volume :
- 103
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of Personality Assessment
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....7a49ab143bd4a889330786b57d56d0c6