The Assessing Emotions Scale

Abstract

The Assessing Emotions Scale, in some literature called the Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, or the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, is based on Salovey and Mayer's (1990) original model of emotional intelligence. This model proposed that emotional intelligence consists of appraisal of emotion in the self and others, expression of emotion, regulation of emotion in the self and others, and utilization of emotion in solving problems. Subsumed under these branches are functions such as verbal and nonverbal appraisal and expression of emotion and using emotions to motivate as part of the utilisation of emotions. Mayer, Salovey, and Caruso (2004) have since refined their 1990 model, but the basic aspects of emotional intelligence proposed in the newer model remain similar to those of the 1990 model. The Assessing Emotions Scale attempts to assess characteristic, or trait, emotional intelligence. In their 1990 model, Salovey and Mayer described emotional intelligence as a mix of what might be considered abilities and traits. More recently, Mayer and Salovey (Mayer et al., 2004; Mayer, Salovey, Caruso, & Sitarenios, 2003) have argued for a pure ability conceptualization of emotional intelligence. Such an ability conceptualization is associated with a measurement approach that focuses on latent abilities assessed through performance tasks. Other theorists and researchers (Neubauer & Freudenthaler, 2005; Petrides & Furnham, 2001, 2003) have argued that emotional intelligence can be usefully conceptualised as typical (or trait) functioning. A trait approach to assessing emotional intelligence, draws on self or other reports to gather information regarding the display of emotional intelligence characteristics in daily life. Even though some literature presents ability and trait conceptualisations of emotional intelligence as mutually exclusive alternatives (e.g., Mayer, Salovey, & Caruso 2000), we believe that both are important and complementary dimensions of adaptive emotional functioning.