Affiliation:
1. Forensic Psychology Unit of the Centre for Applied Psychology Miguel Hernández University of Elche Alicante Spain
2. Health Psychology Department of the Centre of Applied Psychology Miguel Hernández University of Elche Alicante Spain
3. Psychology and Sociology Department University of Zaragoza Teruel Spain
4. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine Catholic University of Murcia Murcia Spain
Abstract
ABSTRACTObjectiveSeveral studies have analyzed the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and dark personality, but the results are inconclusive. One study tested correlations between traits that may underlie a person‐centered profile of “dark EI.” Our study aimed to replicate and extend that research, identifying profiles in Spaniards and examining the differences between the profiles based on different variables of interest.MethodTwo studies were designed, the first one (N = 1241) focused on trait EI and the Dark Triad, and the second one expanding the previous (N = 392) focusing on ability EI and the Dark Tetrad.ResultsThree profiles were obtained in both studies: nondark and non‐EI profile, dark profile, and average narcissistic and high EI profile. The latter showed the highest self‐esteem, strengths, well‐being, and civic engagement, and the lowest psychological difficulties and personal distress.ConclusionsOur results reinforced the findings of the study we replicated, not supporting the presence of dark EI, but also not supporting the presence of high EI with very low levels of dark traits. These results have implications when designing preventive actions to improve emotional education.