The trait emotional intelligence of ballet dancers and musicians

Trait emotional intelligence ('trait EI' or 'trait emotional self-efficacy') is a constellation of emotion-related self-perceptions and dispositions comprising the affective aspects of normal adult personality. The two studies in this paper investigate the construct validity of trait EI, as operationalized by the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue). In Study 1 (34 ballet students; 5 ballet teachers), we found moderate to high levels of convergence between self and other ratings of trait El and a positive relationship between trait El scores and ballet dancing ability ratings. In Study 2 (37 music students), we found a positive relationship between trait El scores and length of musical training. Overall, the results support our conceptualization of trait El as a construct of general emotionality and the validity of the TEIQue as the construct's measurement vehicle.