Theoretical foundations about Emotional Intelligence

What is it about?

Emotional Intelligence (EI) landed 25 years ago, and the EI framework still remains some questions to be addressed. This article reviews what theoretical approaches should bear in mind in order to understand better EI. On the one hand, from Intelligence theoretical, CHC Cognitive Model (Cattell-Horn-Carroll model), and the other hand, emotion appraisal theories. According to authors, EI research might be better integrated within both theoretical frameworks. From the former discipline, empirical research focused on whether EI is an intelligence and what type of intelligence it constitutes. It is clear that ability-based tests of EI form a group factor of cognitive abilities that may be integrated into the Cattell–Horn–Carroll framework (less clear is the lower order factor structure of EI). From the latter discipline, research linking EI with theoretical frameworks from emotion research remain relatively sparse. Emotion regulation and appraisal theory may be key to explain how EI may reflect different processes.

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Why is it important?

We highlighted four main recommendations for the future of EI. 1.- EI should be studied with multiple assessments rather than exclusively (or almost exclusively) with the MSCEIT (Mayer, Salovey, Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test), as is currently the case. A larger number of assessments would allow researchers to consider each branch in detail, potentially developing a structure for the PMAs (Primary Mental Abilities) of EI. 2.- In developing new EI assessments, researchers might usefully integrate emotion perspectives, particularly those tied to emotion regulation. Particularly apposite would appear the recommendations outlined by Scherer (2007) for developing such assessments; this source should be better used in the future. 3.- Research the subsidiary PMAs of EI, both as an empirical test for the underlying structure of EI, and potentially to increase predictive utility by matching specific, valued outcomes with the most appropriate branch. We expect here that emotion facilitation may not survive such an endeavor, but that other key abilities (e.g., empathy) may emerge. 4.- Integrate EI theory with research on emotions, which may allow a focus on the processes that underlie EI. We have discussed appraisal processes and regulation processes, but there are other key literatures (e.g., those arising from neuroscience) that are also ripe for inclusion in this undertaking.

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