Age and gender differences in ability emotional intelligence in adults: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

The goal of the current investigation was to analyze ability emotional intelligence (EI) in a large cross-sectional sample of Spanish adults (N = 12,198; males, 56.56%) aged from 17 to 76 years (M = 37.71, SD = 12.66). Using the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), which measures ability EI according to the 4 branches of the Mayer and Salovey EI model. The authors examined effects of gender on ability EI, as well as the linear and quadratic effects of age. Results suggest that gender affects the total ability EI score as well as scores on the 4 EI branches. Ability EI was greater in women than men. Ability EI varied with age according to an inverted-U curve: Younger and older adults scored lower on ability EI than middle-aged adults, except for the branch of understanding emotions. These findings strongly support the idea that both gender and age significantly influence ability EI during aging. (PsycINFO Database Record

The Mobile Emotional Intelligence Test (MEIT): An Ability Test to Assess Emotional Intelligence at Work

“…However, other authors do not find significant association between age and EI ability [48,49]. According to these data, EI increases with time, but declines with age as any other cognitive ability [50]. It is probable that from childhood until adulthood people develop emotional abilities but that cognitive deterioration affects EI.…”

The associations between alexithymia, non‐suicidal self‐injury, and risky drinking: The moderating roles of experiential avoidance and biological sex

“…This may be an artefact of age range of our sample with the vast majority of participants aged between 17 and 25. It is possible rather than a linear association, alexithymia has a quadratic association with age (Cabello, Sorrel, Fernández‐Pinto, Extremera, & Fernández‐Berrocal, ; Parker, Taylor, & Bagby, ). Levels of alexithymia may decrease until roughly middle age and then begin to increase thereafter.…”

The Intercultural Effectiveness of University Students

“…Females are more attuned to their emotions and studies have confirmed that they may present more emotional intelligence attributes than men (Cabello, Sorrel, Fernandez-Pinto, Extremera, & Fernandez-Berrocal, 2016). Research has indicated that they may seek emotional support when required as they have a good capacity in perceiving, understanding and managing emotions (Cabello et al, 2016).…”

“…Research has indicated that they may seek emotional support when required as they have a good capacity in perceiving, understanding and managing emotions (Cabello et al, 2016). Consequently, it is not surprising that women are more culturally empathic than men.…”