Construct validity of the Italian version of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) v2.0

J Pers Assess. 2013;95(5):486-94. doi: 10.1080/00223891.2013.778272. Epub 2013 Mar 28.

Abstract

In 2 studies, we assessed the construct validity of the Italian version of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) version 2.0. In Study 1, we administered the MSCEIT together with measures of crystallized and fluid intelligence, personality, and affect. In Study 2, we administered the MSCEIT together with indexes of dispositional coping, emotion regulation strategies, alexithymia, state-trait anxiety, depression, and depressive rumination. We evaluated the factorial structure of the MSCEIT with a confirmatory factor analysis model using data combined from Study 1 and 2. The results confirm that the MSCEIT Italian version satisfactorily discriminates emotional intelligence ability from crystallized and fluid intelligence, personality, and affect, and exhibits significant correlations with various psychological well-being criteria. Furthermore, data from both studies confirm that the factorial structure of MSCEIT is consistent with the theory on which it is based, although it was difficult to rule out alternative structures.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affect*
  • Aged
  • Emotional Intelligence*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence
  • Intelligence Tests*
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality*
  • Psychometrics
  • Surveys and Questionnaires