Self- and other-focused emotional intelligence: Development and validation of the Rotterdam Emotional Intelligence Scale (REIS)

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop an instrument to measure emotional intelligence (EI). This novel scale distinguishes between four factors, namely, self- and other-focused emotion appraisal and emotion regulation. In Study 1, the Rotterdam Emotional Intelligence Scale (REIS) was developed and examined with respect to its factorial structure and reliability (N=383). In Study 2, the factorial structure of the REIS was validated in two new samples (N=2728 and N=590). Study 3 examined convergent and discriminant validity by comparing the REIS dimensions with other EI instruments, cognitive intelligence, and personality (N=108 and N=105). The criterion validity of the REIS was examined in Study 4 (N=73, N=95, and N=103). The results indicate that the REIS follows a four-factorial structure and can be reliably measured with 28 items. The REIS was strongly correlated with other self-reported EI instruments and weakly to moderately correlated with an ability EI test, cognitive intelligence, and personality. Moreover, self-focused emotion regulation was negatively associated with tutors' perceived stress, whereas other-focused emotion regulation was positively associated with tutors' work engagement, jobseekers' other-rated interview performance, and leaders' transformational leadership style.