Part V: creating the EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 2.0

EQ-i 2.0 Stages of Development

Identifying the 15 Subscales

In the early 1980s, a comprehensive research strategy was undertaken to examine various factors thought to be components of emotional intelligence (Bar-On, 2004). In the process of researching the many variables that underlie successful emotional functioning, a vast number of constructs were reviewed in the mental health literature. This survey of the literature confirmed Dr. Bar-On’s observations from years of clinical experience; that is, similar types of variables were being focused upon, even though they were often labeled and described in different ways. These broader variables could be reduced to a smaller number of key factors that could then be operationally defined in order to gain a clearer picture of the structure and major components of emotional intelligence.

Dr. Bar-On reviewed many theories and studies that focused on the key factors believed to be a part of emotional intelligence and their relationship to optimal, normal, or pathological emotional functioning. This approach was in line with one of the motivating factors for constructing the EQ-i—it represented a departure from earlier assessments that traditionally focused purely on pathological and/or normal (i.e., the lack of pathology) emotional functioning, while neglecting the optimal or successful end of the continuum (Bar-On, 1988).

The grouping of the key components was based on a logical and non-statistical clustering of the theories and studies that were reviewed. It involved analysis, grouping, and, finally, labeling. If factors were similar yet used different words, they were grouped together under one label. For example, independence, autonomy and self-directive would have been grouped under “Independence.”

What eventually emerged from this procedure were 11 factors thought to determine successful emotional functioning. These factors were as follows:

• Assertiveness
• Self Actualization
• Interpersonal Relationship
• Problem Solving
• Flexibility
• Happiness
• Self Regard
• Independence
• Social Responsibility
• Reality Testing
• Stress Tolerance

Four additional components of emotional intelligence were added during the twelve year period prior to publishing the 1997 version of the EQ-i. Specifically, the Impulse Control subscale was added because it clearly appeared in the literature as contributing to success in coping with environmental demands and pressures (Grinker 1956, 1962, 1969; Grinker & Werble 1974; Offer, 1973; D. Offer, Freedman, & J. L. Offer, 1972; Offer & Howard, 1972; D. Offer & J. L. Offer, 1975; Offer & Sabshin, 1974). The three other subscales that were added were Emotional Self-Awareness, Empathy, and Optimism. Emotional Self-Awareness was thought to be a distinct component of Self-Regard, so they were separated into two different subscales. Likewise, Empathy was originally thought to be part of the Interpersonal Relationship subscale, but was distinct enough that it deserved to be on its own separate subscale. Lastly, Optimism shared a conceptual connection with Happiness and Stress Tolerance. These three factors, in and of themselves, have been considered to be significant components of emotional intelligence (Goleman, 1995). Therefore, these subscales were added to the EQ-i based on logical, conceptual and, eventually, empirical considerations.