Phenotypic and genetic relations between the HEXACO dimensions and trait emotional intelligence

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Genetics
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• Trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) is a key aspect of emotional self-perception.
• The HEXACO model offers a comprehensive personality framework, extending beyond the Big Five.
• Understanding trait EI's position within broader personality structures is crucial for psychological research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the placement of trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) within the HEXACO personality model.
• To examine the phenotypic and genetic correlations between trait EI and the HEXACO dimensions.
• To confirm the validity of trait EI as a component of lower-level personality traits.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue-SF) and the HEXACO-60 Personality Inventory.
• Collected data from 666 MZ and 526 DZ adult twin pairs in the United Kingdom.
• Conducted bivariate behavioral genetic analyses to assess genetic and environmental influences.

Main Results:

• Significant phenotypic correlations were observed between trait EI and HEXACO dimensions, particularly Extraversion.
• Honesty-Humility showed the weakest correlation with trait EI, while Emotionality correlated negatively.
• Bivariate genetic analyses indicated that common genetic and nonshared environmental factors underlie these correlations.

Conclusions:

• Trait emotional intelligence is validly positioned within the lower levels of personality structure.
• The findings support the integration of trait EI within comprehensive personality frameworks like HEXACO.
• Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the relationship between trait EI and personality.