The Sampling Domain of trait E

This thesis will define trait EI as a constellation of emotional self-perceptions located at the lower levels of personality hierarchies (Petrides, Pita & Kokkinaki, 2007). This construct concerns an individual’s perceptions of his or her own emotions and the emotions of others. Trait emotional self-efficacy is an alternative label to describe the

trait EI construct (Petrides, 2011). According to Petrides:

Trait EI is the only operational definition in the field that recognizes the inherent subjectivity of emotional experience. That the trait EI facets are personality traits, as opposed to competencies or mental abilities or facilitators, is also corroborated by research revealing that the same genes that are implicated in the development of individual differences in the Big Five personality traits are also implicated in the development of individual differences in trait EI [Vernon, Villani, Schermer, & Petrides, 2008, (2010, p. 138)].

Trait EI is made up of four broad factors and 15 facets based on the content analysis of existing literature on EI including the work of Bar-On (1997), Goleman (1995) and Salovey and Mayer (1990) (Petrides & Furnham, 2001). The sampling domain is argued to be the most comprehensive inventory of trait EI to date (Petrides and Furnham, 2001). Table 1.3 illustrates the 15 subscales of the TEIQue that make up trait EI as stated by Petrides (2009).

Table 1.3

The sampling domain of trait EI (Petrides, 2010)!

Facets! Brief description High scorers view themselves

as… Adaptability Concerns an one's flexibility in

their approach to work and life

…flexible and willing to adapt to new situations

Assertiveness Concerns how forthright an individual is with individuals and in situations

…forthright and willing to stand up for their rights

Emotion expression

Concerns an individual's fluency in expressing and communicating emotions to others

…capable of communicating their feelings to others. Express their feelings accurately and willingly. Emotion

management (others)

Concerns one's perceived ability to manage other people's

emotional states.

…capable of influencing and managing other people's feelings and emotional expressions.

Emotion

perception (self and others)

Concerns one's perceptions of their own emotions as well as in others

…clear about what they feels and able to decode other people's feelings

Emotion regulation

Concerns one's control of their own feelings and emotional states

…having control over their own feelings and able to change unpleasant moods through personal insight and effort.

Impulsiveness (low)

Concerns one's perceptions of how they can control themselves. This scale measures dysfunctional rather than functional impulsivity

…careful decision makers who weigh all the information they have before acting upon it.

Relationships Concerns one's personal

relationships. This includes close friends, family, and partners

….capable of sustaining meaningful personal relationships.

Self-esteem Concerns one's overall evaluation

of oneself. …successful and full of confidence. Self-motivation Concerns one's perception of their

drive and motivation. …driven and likely to see something through rather than give up when it gets difficult. Social awareness Concerns one's perceptions of

their social skills and networking potential.

…possessing great social skills and accomplished in

networking. Stress

management

Concern's one's perceptions of their coping mechanisms and how they handle pressure.

…capable of handling pressured situations and regulating stress.

Trait empathy Concerns one's perceptions on how they understand another's needs and desires and take on their point of view.

…capable of taking on someone’s perspective and putting themselves in their shoes.

Trait happiness Concerns pleasant emotional

states occurring in the present. …cheerful and satisfied with their life. Trait optimism Concerns positive outlooks to life

situations and the future. …confident and likely to expect positive outcomes in their life.

In addition to the 15 facets, there are four broad factors of trait EI. These factors include: Well-being, Self-control, Emotionality and Sociability. A brief description of these factors is presented below.

1.4.2.2.1 Well-being

Individuals who score high in this factor display overall feelings of happiness, fulfilment and positive attitudes in their past achievements and future expectations. Conversely, individuals who score low on this factor may hold low self-regard and disappointment concerning their current life situation. Scores in this factor are largely dependent on an individual’s score on the corresponding three broad factors.

1.4.2.2.2 Self-Control

Scores on this factor relate to an individual’s level of impulsivity. For example, people who score high on the self-control scale are less likely to engage in impulsive behaviour and are more likely to be able to regulate external pressures and stress. On the other hand, those individuals who score low on this trait are more likely to engage in impulsive behaviour and are also less able to manage external pressures. These

individuals may also display inflexible thinking and behaviour. 1.4.2.2.3 Emotionality

The emotionality factor refers to the expressions and perceptions of trait EI. High scores in this factor are equated with a large number of emotion-related skills including the ability to perceive and express emotions in close relationships. As would be expected, individuals who score low on this factor find it difficult to internalize and express their emotions to others. Conversely, high scoring individuals have less trouble internalizing and expressing their emotions. Low scoring individuals may find

counterparts.

1.4.2.2.4 Sociability

The fourth factor, sociability, is closely linked with social influence and social relationships. Unlike the emotionality factor, which emphasizes close personal relationships, this facet focuses on social interaction as a whole. High scores on this factor are associated with individuals having good listening and communication skills. These individuals tend to be able to communicate clearly and confidently while low scoring individuals do so with difficulty.