The Connection Between Dark Traits and Emotional Intelligence

A Multistudy Person‐Centered Approach

Bibliographic Data

ID7160355
AuthorsPilar Rico-Bordera (0000-0002-2157-2468, Forensic Psychology Unit of the Centre for Applied Psychology Miguel Hernández University of Elche Alicante Spain), José A Piqueras (0000-0002-3604-5441, Forensic Psychology Unit of the Centre for Applied Psychology Miguel Hernández University of Elche Alicante Spain, corresponding author), Victoria Soto‐sanz (0000-0003-2918-6905, Health Psychology Department of the Centre of Applied Psychology Miguel Hernández University of Elche Alicante Spain), Tíscar Rodríguez-Jiménez (0000-0001-9396-253X, Psychology and Sociology Department University of Zaragoza Teruel Spain), Juan C Marzo (0000-0003-4284-6744, Health Psychology Department of the Centre of Applied Psychology Miguel Hernández University of Elche Alicante Spain), Manuel Galán (0000-0003-4730-0695, Forensic Psychology Unit of the Centre for Applied Psychology Miguel Hernández University of Elche Alicante Spain), David Pineda (0000-0001-5710-1636, Forensic Psychology Unit of the Centre for Applied Psychology Miguel Hernández University of Elche Alicante Spain)
Year2025
Volume93
Issue3
Pages724-739
Publication date2025-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Personality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-3506 • E-ISSN: 1467-6494
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/jopy.12969
PMID39158192
OpenAlexW4401706003
LanguageEN
References cited87

OBJECTIVE: Several 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. METHOD: Two 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. RESULTS: Three 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. CONCLUSIONS: Our 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

Big Five personality traits · Dark triad · Developmental psychology · Emotional intelligence · Great Rift · Machiavellianism · Personality · Psychopathy · Trait · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Emotional Intelligence and Performance · Personality Traits and Psychology · Psychology · Social Psychology

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