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The relationship between the three models of emotional intelligence and psychopathy: a systematic review

Gómez-Leal, Raquel,Gutiérrez-Cobo, María José,Cabello-González, Rosario,Fernández-Berrocal, Pablo

Published
2017-10-02
Repository
riuma.uma.es
Language
en

Abstract

Psychopaths are usually characterized as having numerous troubles with social and emotional facets in their daily. In addition, these individuals generate a series of harmful situations to society, such as violence and crime. Due to this, it is very important to find those variables that can reduce these behaviors. In this regard, Emotional Intelligence (EI) or the ability to perceive, use, understand and regulate emotions is a potentially useful variable. EI has been categorized according to three main approaches: performance-based ability, self-report ability and self-report mixed models. Several studies have analyzed the relationship between EI and psychopathy, however inconsistent results have been found. These inconsistencies may be due to the EI model employed to measure it. The objective of our study is to systematically review the previous literature about the relationship between the three models of EI and psychopathy, both in the clinical and total population.Scopus and Medline were searched for finding relevant articles. 29 eligible studies were identified. The results were divided according to the EI model and the population used.The results for both the total and clinical population differ according to the measure of EI employed. Specifically, through performance-based ability models, the majority of studies find a negative relationship between EI and psychopathy, and when EI is measured using self-reports, the results are inconsistent. In conclusion, the results suggest that higher EI abilities measured through performance-based ability models - but not through self-reports - are related to lower psychopathy deficits. Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.

Full text

The relationship between the three models of emotional intelligence and psychopathy: a systematic review Raquel Gómez-Leal*, María José Gutierrez-Cobo*, Rosario Cabello** and Pablo Fernández-Berrocal* *University of Málaga, Spain **University of Granada, Spain Psychopathy is symbolized by impulsive, thrill-seeking behaviours combined with anxiety, dishonesty, egocentricity, manipulation, and exploitation of others (Hare, 1991). Given the many instances of violence and crime that occur as a consequence of psychopathy, it is vital to find those variables that can reduce the expression of such behaviours. The Emotional Intelligence (EI) construct, or the ability to perceive, use, understand, and regulate emotions (Mayer, Caruso, & Salovey, 2016), is one potentially useful variable. It has been categorized according to three main approaches (Joseph & Newman, 2010): ▪Performance-based ability: considers EI as a mental ability based on emotional aptitudes. This model uses performance tests. ▪Self-report ability: Considers EI in the same as the previous one, but employs self-report instruments ▪Self-report mixed models. Includes mental abilities, personality factors, motivations, and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Employs selfreport instruments. EI could be a protective factor given the emotional deficits of the psychopathic population. Several studies have analysed the relationship between EI and psychopathy, but the results are inconclusive. This disparity may be due to the EI model employed to measure (Gutiérrez-Cobo, Cabello, & Fernández-Berrocal, 2016). Introduction DATABASE: Scopus, Medline, PsycINFO and Pubmed KEYWORDS: “emotional intelligence” with “psychopathic”, “psychopathy” “psychopath” INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. The EI measurement. 2. The psychopathy trait measurement. 3. English or Spanish language. 29 articles were included in the present review. Methods •The results suggest that higher EI abilities measured through performance-based ability models —but not through self-reports —are related to lower psychopathy deficits •The performance-based ability model is the most consistent model •When EI is measured using self-reports, the results are inconsistent. •The results using the total population and the clinical population are similar •These conclusions have a series of clinical implications, such as the possible evaluation, prevention, and treatment of psychopathy through the study of EI. Discussion •Gutiérrez-Cobo, M.J., Cabello, R., & Fernández-Berrocal, P. (2016). The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Cool and Hot Cognitive Processes: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience,10:101. •Hare, R. D. (1991). The Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL–R).Toronto, Canada: Multi-Health Systems. •Joseph, D.L., & Newman, D.A. (2010). Emotional intelligence: an integrative meta-analysis and cascading model. Journal Applied Psychology, 95,54–78. •Mayer, J. D., Caruso, D. R., & Salovey, P. (2016). The ability model of emotional intelligence: Principles and updates. Emotion Review, 8(4), 290-300. References AIMS: 1. Review the existing evidence of the relationships between three models of EI and psychopathy in: Total population Clinical population Present Study Results Total population Clinical population