The Factor Structure of Trait Emotional Intelligence in Hong Kong Adolescents

Background. Trait emotional intelligence (trait EI or trait emotional self-efficacy) refers to individuals' emotion-related self-perceptions (Petrides, Furnham, & Mavroveli, 2007). A growing number of studies are looking at cross-cultural differences in the structure of the construct. Aims. This study investigates the cross-cultural stability of trait EI in a sample of adolescents from Hong Kong. Sample. The Hong Kong sample comprised 357 secondary school students (199 boys and 158 girls), ranging in age from 13 to 16 yrs (M = 14.09 yrs; SD = .86). Method. The participants completed the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Adolescent Full Form (TEIQue-AFF). Additional data on demographics were collected. Results. The Hong Kong data only partially replicated the UK four-factor structure (well-being, emotionality, sociability, and self-control). Conclusions. There seems to be cross-cultural consistency in the factor structure of trait EI in adolescence with minor variations and a tendency toward a simpler factor structure. The Chinese adaptation of the TEIQue-AFF can be recommended for research applications, but further research is needed to replicate our results.