Trait emotional intelligence and behavioral problems among adolescents: A cross-informant design

• Published in: Personality and individual differences Vol. 74; pp. 16 - 21
• Main Authors: Gugliandolo, Maria C., Costa, Sebastiano, Cuzzocrea, Francesca, Larcan, Rosalba, Petrides, K.V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2015
• Subjects: Adolescents; Behavioral problems; Self and other-ratings; Trait EI; Behavioral problems; Trait EI; Adolescents; Self and other-ratings
• ISSN: 0191-8869; 1873-3549
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2014.09.032

•Self and parental ratings of trait EI relate to those of behavioral problems.•Results reveal a strong correspondence between father and mother ratings.•Multisource ratings of trait EI are differentially predictive of external criteria. This study examined how self and parental ratings of trait emotional intelligence (trait EI), relate to self and parental ratings of internalizing and externalizing problems. A total of 263 adolescents between 13 and 17years and their parents participated in the study, completing two forms of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue-AF and TEIQue-360°) and the Child Behavior CheckList (CBCL-YSR and CBCL-parents’ report). Results revealed a strong correspondence between father and mother ratings, especially for externalizing problems. A doubly MANOVA, with gender as the between-subjects variable, rating source (father, mother, and adolescent) as the within-subjects variable, and the four trait EI factors as dependent variables revealed a significant effect of ratings. Both fathers and mothers attributed higher Well-being and Self-control to their children than the children attributed to themselves. The findings showed that while multisource ratings of trait EI generally converge, they are differentially predictive of external criteria.