Well-being and Social Sustainability, Cross-Cultural Validation of an Emotional Metacognition Traits Scale in Brazilian Adolescents

Maria Vaquero-Diego,Samuel Molina Schnorr,Ernani Vassoler Rodrigues,Maria Botey

doi:10.53703/001c.32305

Abstract

In this work we aimed to examine the reliability and validity of a trait scale on emotional meta-cognition in a large number of subjects (> 11, 000 adolescent students) from a private school network in Brazil. Following up previous validation of the same scale in Europe, we proceed a cross-cultural work in order to analyze its feasibility in assessing the interpersonal emotional intelligence. The study was proceeded during the 2017 academic year, in São Paulo, Brazil. The process included translations and peer content validation of all items from original scale, pilot study in a small sample and the broad survey hereby reported. We, then, proceeded a internal consistency measurement and a factorial analysis, both exploratory and confirmatory. Once the analyses have been carried out we compared emergent dimensions raised from the present research to the original ones, validating the instrument in its majority for the measurement of emotional intelligence in a new cultural set, as well as elucidating subtle differences seen in few items. Considering the sample size, subject cultural diversity and items loads in each factor, we conclude the scale used is an useful tool for mapping the perceived emotional intelligence in Brazilian adolescents, which encourages self-knowledge and informs of the needs in emotional competencies and self-development.

Highlights

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a complex construct that has been defined and instrumentalized to measure in various ways in recent decades (Bar-On, 2006; Brackett et al, 2012; Fernández-Berrocal & Extremera, 2006; Mikolajczak et al, 2015)
The Scree test informed that 3 components are enough for explaining most of data variance (Fig. 1, left), showing three factors with eigenvalues greater than 1 (λ1 = 6.656, λ2 = 3.482 and λ3 = 2.260), which accounted for 46% of total data variance
It allows to obtain an index that values the knowledge that each person possesses about their own emotional states, providing a personal estimate on the reflective aspects of the emotional experience

Summary

Introduction

Emotional intelligence (EI) is a complex construct that has been defined and instrumentalized to measure in various ways in recent decades (Bar-On, 2006; Brackett et al, 2012; Fernández-Berrocal & Extremera, 2006; Mikolajczak et al, 2015). Over the time, it shifted from being a questionable concept to become an element of special interest to understand individual differences, to develop interaction and communication skills with others, to access job opportunities, to improve school performance, among others. Later on, Salovey et al (1995) provided a theoretical framework form EI as well as an empirical instrument for self-reporting the so-called called “Scale trait of metacognition of emotional states” (Trait Meta-Mood Scale, TMMS-48) which yields three dimensions on on EI (clarity, attention and emotional repair) and allows evaluations on perceived emotional intelligence (PEI)

Objectives

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion