A Case for Using Ability-Based Emotional Intelligence Measures in the Selection of Trainee Psychologists

Abstract

At present, selection into Masters and Doctorate level Clinical Psychology programs in many countries largely relies upon undergraduate grades (i.e., Grade Point Average; GPA) and the honors year thesis. The use of objective, non-cognitive measures of ability are virtually non-existent. One measure seemingly relevant to the field of clinical psychology is the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), an ability-based measure of emotional intelligence (EI). EI, the ability to identify and regulate one's own (and others') emotions, may act as a worthwhile predictor of performance within domains requiring advanced communication and empathy skills, such as clinical psychology. Testing a sample of first year Masters of Clinical Psychology students (n = 9), this study investigated the relationship between EI as measured by the MSCEIT, performance in clinical tasks (simulated Cognitive Behavioral assessment and Cognitive Therapy (CT) competencies), and GPA. Despite a modest sample size, results indicated a significant correlation between EI and results from the clinical tasks, but there was no significant relationship between assessment performance and GPA. Implications to higher education selection and the clinical psychology profession are discussed.

Emotions, Behavior, and the Mediating Role of Climate

“…Self-awareness is the ability to understand and express emotions naturally (Carvalho, Guerrero, Chambel, & González-Rico, 2016). Self-management is the generation of emotions, as well as understanding how moods impact thinking and relate feelings to thoughts (Omoregbee, Morrison, & Morrison, 2016). Interpersonal skills build the foundation for EI, and it is essential for organizations to ensure that their managers possess these skills in order to enhance empathy toward their subordinates.…”

“…Employees with emotional attachments to colleagues, when contemplating quitting, will stay with the organization to seek personal fulfillment and because they feel that staying is essential (Shafiq & Rana, 2016). Social awareness is the ability to understand the emotions of others and provide feedback to the appropriate emotion (Omoregbee et al, 2016); this ability is vital in ensuring employee satisfaction and OCB.…”

“…o The ability to understand and naturally express deep emotions (Carvalho et al, 2016). This also means accurately identifying the causes of emotions and being able to predict how emotions change and blend (Omoregbee et al, 2016).…”

“…o The generation of emotions and understanding of how moods impact thinking, how feelings relate to thoughts, and how to use problem-solving skills and communication to facilitate one's own emotions (Omoregbee et al, 2016). Self-management is the ability to utilize emotions by directing them towards constructive activities and personal performance (Carvalho et al, 2016).…”

“…• Social awareness (4 items) o The ability to use faces, landscapes, and designs to read people's emotions and provide feedback (Omoregbee et al, 2016).…”