Trait emotional intelligence and subjective well-being in adolescents: The moderating role of feelings.

BACKGROUND: Trait emotional intelligence (EI) is a key concept related to different well-being indicators. These relationships, mediated by affective variables, have mainly been found in adults. However, little is known about these associations with moderating effects of feelings in adolescents and certain indicators of well-being. This study examined the moderating role of feelings in the relation between trait emotional intelligence and several indicators of well-being (life satisfaction, self-perceived stress and somatic complaints) in adolescents.

METHODS: The sample was composed of 1,273 pupils from 10 high schools, aged between 12 and 16 (M=13.63 years; SD=1.22) 666 (52.7%) were girls.

RESULTS: The results supported different pathways between trait emotional intelligence (especially attention and clarity) and well-being indicators.

CONCLUSIONS: No moderating role of feelings could be found in this relationship. This data supports the direct influence of EI on the improvement of adolescent well-being.