Assessing the temporal stability of a measure of trait emotional intelligence: Systematic review and empirical analysis

Highlights

• Stability of trait emotional intelligence was demonstrated for up to 1444 days.

• Analyses were conducted at the global, factor, and facet levels of the construct.

• Length of test-retest intervals did not moderate temporal stability estimates.

Abstract

Determining the temporal stability of a construct is crucial to establishing its validity and utility in real-world scenarios. To-date, few studies have investigated the test-retest reliability of trait emotional intelligence (trait EI), particularly over extended periods of time. The present study presents relevant data from the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) over variable intervals, ranging from 30 days (one month) to 1444 days (≈ four years). Results provide support for trait EI theory, demonstrating strong temporal stability at all levels of the construct (global, factor, and facet). Future research may focus on extending the test-retest intervals at both ends (i.e., below one month and over four years) as well as on comparisons between different trait EI measures.