Development and validation of an online emotional intelligence training program

Michelle R Persich Durham; Ryan Smith; Sara Cloonan; Lindsey L Hildebrand; Rebecca Woods-Lubert; Jeff Skalamera; Sarah M Berryhill; Karen L Weihs; Richard D Lane; John J B Allen; Natalie S Dailey; Anna Alkozei; John R Vanuk; William D S Killgore

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1221817

Development and validation of an online emotional intelligence training program

Front Psychol. 2023 Aug 17:14:1221817. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1221817. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
² Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
⁴ Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.

Abstract

Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EI) is associated with a range of positive health, wellbeing, and behavioral outcomes. The present article describes the development and validation of an online training program for increasing EI abilities in adults. The training program was based on theoretical models of emotional functioning and empirical literature on successful approaches for training socioemotional skills and resilience.

Methods: After an initial design, programming, and refinement process, the completed online program was tested for efficacy in a sample of 326 participants (72% female) from the general population. Participants were randomly assigned to complete either the EI training program (n = 168) or a matched placebo control training program (n = 158). Each program involved 10-12 hours of engaging online content and was completed during either a 1-week (n = 175) or 3-week (n = 151) period.

Results: Participants who completed the EI training program showed increased scores from pre- to post-training on standard self-report (i.e., trait) measures of EI (relative to placebo), indicating self-perceived improvements in recognizing emotions, understanding emotions, and managing the emotions of others. Moreover, those in the EI training also showed increased scores in standard performance-based (i.e., ability) EI measures, demonstrating an increased ability to strategically use and manage emotions relative to placebo. Improvements to performance measures also remained significantly higher than baseline when measured six months after completing the training. The training was also well-received and described as helpful and engaging.

Discussion: Following a rigorous iterative development process, we created a comprehensive and empirically based online training program that is well-received and engaging. The program reliably improves both trait and ability EI outcomes and gains are sustained up to six months post-training. This program could provide an easy and scalable method for building emotional intelligence in a variety of settings.

Keywords: MSCEIT; SREIS; TEIQue; emotional intelligence; emotional resilience; emotional skills; online resource; training program.