The costs of being exceptionally intelligent: Compatibility and interpersonal skill concerns

The Connection Between Dark Traits and Emotional Intelligence: A Multistudy Person-Centered Approach

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have analyzed the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and dark personality, but the results are inconclusive. One study tested correlations between traits that may underlie a person-centered profile of "dark EI." Our study aimed to replicate and extend that research, identifying profiles in Spaniards and examining the differences between the profiles based on different variables of interest.

METHOD

Two studies were designed, the first one (N = 1241) focused on trait EI and the Dark Triad, and the second one expanding the previous (N = 392) focusing on ability EI and the Dark Tetrad.

RESULTS

Three profiles were obtained in both studies: nondark and non-EI profile, dark profile, and average narcissistic and high EI profile. The latter showed the highest self-esteem, strengths, well-being, and civic engagement, and the lowest psychological difficulties and personal distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results reinforced the findings of the study we replicated, not supporting the presence of dark EI, but also not supporting the presence of high EI with very low levels of dark traits. These results have implications when designing preventive actions to improve emotional education.