title: Emotional intelligence is a second-stratum factor of intelligence: evidence from hierarchical and bifactor models.
abstract: This article examines the status of emotional intelligence (EI) within the structure of human cognitive abilities. To evaluate whether EI is a 2nd-stratum factor of intelligence, data were fit to a series of structural models involving 3 indicators each for fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence, quantitative reasoning, visual processing, and broad retrieval ability, as well as 2 indicators each for emotion perception, emotion understanding, and emotion management. Unidimensional, multidimensional, hierarchical, and bifactor solutions were estimated in a sample of 688 college and community college students. Results suggest adequate fit for 2 models: (a) an oblique 8-factor model (with 5 traditional cognitive ability factors and 3 EI factors) and (b) a hierarchical solution (with cognitive g at the highest level and EI representing a 2nd-stratum factor that loads onto g at λ = .80). The acceptable relative fit of the hierarchical model confirms the notion that EI is a group factor of cognitive ability, marking the expression of intelligence in the emotion domain. The discussion proposes a possible expansion of Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory to include EI as a 2nd-stratum factor of similar standing to factors such as fluid intelligence and visual processing.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology.
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-7789-6368
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: MacCann
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida.
authors.forename: Dana L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology.
authors.forename: Daniel A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.affiliation: Center for Academic and Workforce Readiness and Success, Research and Development, Educational Testing Service.
authors.forename: Richard D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D056348:Emotional Intelligence; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult