Dimensionality and higher-order factor structure of self-reported emotional intelligence

In 1990, Salovey and Mayer posited a ten-dimensional model of Emotional Intelligence that included three broad areas: (a) Appraisal and Expression of Emotion, (b) Regulation of Emotion, and (c) Utilization of Emotion. In the intervening decade and a half, researchers have not yet demonstrated that all of these dimensions can be empirically distinguished using self-report measures. Furthermore, research has not established what higher-order factors may relate these dimensions to each other, or whether higher-order factors can explain the relationships between the first-order factors. The Multidimensional Emotional Intelligence Assessment (MEIA; Tett, Fox, & Wang, 2005) is a new self-report measure designed to provide separate measurement of the ten Salovey and Mayer dimensions. This study shows that a ten-dimensional model fit the data well, and the ten factors had mostly small to moderate correlations. Higher-order factors exist, but were not able to account for the relationships between the first-order factors: correlated disturbance terms were also needed. There appears to be a trade-off between separate measurement of all dimensions and the simplicity of the higher-order factor structure. Researchers and test users should continue to report scores on the first-order scales, rather than summarizing scores at the level of higher-order factors.