Validity of the trait emotional intelligence questionnaire in sports and its links with performance satisfaction

Objective: This research project consisted of two studies aimed at validating the trait emotional intelligence questionnaire (TEIQue) in a sports sample. Design: Study 1 used a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to investigate if the original 4-factor structure of the TEIQue could be replicated in a sample of athletes. In addition, we explored the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (trait El) and the demographic variables age, sex, type of sport (individual vs. team), expertise, and years of training. Study 2 used a path analysis approach to explore if trait El is related to performance satisfaction through stress appraisal and coping behaviors. Method: In Study 1, 973 athletes completed the TEIQue and a demographic questionnaire. In Study 2,291 athletes completed the TEIQue. Moreover, with a recent competition in mind, they completed the Coping Inventory for Competitive Sports, as well as items on perceived intensity of stress, perceived controllability of stress, challenge and threat appraisals, coping effectiveness, and performance satisfaction. Results: Study 1 showed with a CFA that the original 4-factor structure of the TEIQue could be replicated in a sports sample. Of the demographic variables, only age showed a significant positive relationship with trait EI. Study 2 showed that trait El was related to performance satisfaction through stress appraisal and coping variables. Conclusions: This research showed that the TEIQue can be used with athletes and that trait El is useful for understanding certain aspects of sports performance satisfaction.(C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.