AN EXAMINATION OF THE TEIQUE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THE BIG FIVE FACTORS, RELATIONSHIP QUALITY, AND GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH IN AN AMERICAN COLLEGE SAMPLE

Author

Laura Ann Kise, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

8-1-2014

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Cashel, Mary Louise

Abstract

This study sought to clarify trait EI's relationships with general personality and positive life outcomes, extending previous research suggesting that trait EI is a distinct part of personality and that it positively predicts positive life outcomes. This study examined the discriminant validity of trait EI, (as measured by the TEIQue,) relative to the Big Five personality factors via an exploratory joint factor analysis. Additionally, this study assessed the criterion and incremental validity of the TEIQue with regard to positive life outcomes (positive relations with others, perceived social support, and general mental health) controlling for Big Five factor scores from the International Personality Item Pool. Data from 240 undergraduate students from a Midwestern university were analyzed . Trait EI facets and Big Five factors loaded best onto a 3 factor solution similar to Eysenck's 3-factor model of personality, with factor 1 representing emotional stability, factor 2 indicating social-emotional traits, and factor 3 comprising general agreeableness. While these findings did not provide clear evidence of discriminant validity for the TEIQue, support was observed for its criterion and incremental validity. However, potential issues with the measures and methods are discussed.