Exploring associations between emotional intelligence and relationship quality utilizing the Mayer, Salovey, and Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT)

Abstract

<p>Research interest in the domain of emotional intelligence has recently expanded. An ability-based measure, the consensus scored MSCEIT, v. 2 (2000), has been developed and was used in the present study. It was expected that persons higher in emotional intelligence would have higher quality relationships with others. Seventy-six couples, who were involved in dating relationships of at least three months duration, were the study participants. The project examined the relationships between emotional intelligence and self-reported level of closeness, trust, adjustment and intimacy of participants. Correlation and regression analyses examined relationships between individual participant scores on emotional intelligence and the quality of relationships, as well as discrepancies between the individuals in a dyad on emotional intelligence, and associations with relationship quality. Results indicated some significant associations between emotional intelligence, as assessed by the MSCEIT, and relationship quality. However, these associations were small and not consistent. Potential limitations of the study included the consensus scoring methodology employed by the ability-based measure, homogeneity of the sample, and inherent bias in self-report measures.</p>