Assessing Trait Emotional Intelligence in Youth: A Psychometric Evaluation of the Short Form for the Emotional Quotient Inventory Youth Version

The present study examined the psychometric properties of a short form of the Emotional Quotient Inventory Youth Version (EQ-i:YV-S), a 30-item scale developed to be an efficient tool to assess trait emotional intelligence (TEI) in children and adolescents. The 4-factor model of TEI used to develop the measure (also used in the development of the original adult form) consists of intrapersonal, interpersonal, adaptability, and stress management dimensions. Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable fit in a large sample of youth and was invariant across gender and education level. The results also showed the EQ-i:YV-S scale to have good internal and 6-month test-retest reliabilities. Relationships between the TEI measure and alexithymia in older adolescents provide additional evidence of convergent validity. Overall, the results suggested that the EQ-i:YV-S is a valid and reliable short, multidimensional measure of core TEI dimensions in youth.