The self-choice effects on memory and individual differences in emotional intelligence

The present study examined the self-choice effects on intentional memory and the relation between individual differences in emotional intelligence, and the size of the self-choice effects. Word pairs were supplied to the participants in either a self-choice or forced-choice condition. In the self-choice condition the participants were asked to choose one of the words that elicited more pleasant or more unpleasant episodes, and to remember the chosen word. In the forced-choice condition one of the paired words was underlined to signify that it was the word to remember. For participants who chose a word that elicited more pleasant episodes, self-choice effects were observed in pleasant-pleasant and pleasant-unpleasant word pairs. However, for participants who were asked to choose a word that elicited more unpleasant episodes, the effects were found in unpleasant-unpleasant and pleasant-unpleasant word pairs. The size of the self-choice effects was determined by the level of emotional intelligence.