6.2. Implications and conclusion
By developing a reliable scale to measure self- and other-focused EI, we would like to encourage researchers to delve deeper into the processes that underlie the manifestation of EI. Many studies have previously shown that EI is positively associated with performance and health. However, few studies have examined these outcomes in tandem or zoomed in on the role of specific EI dimensions in the processes that underlie these associations. A certain combination (i.e., a balance) of self- and other-focused EI dimensions may work best to remain a healthy and effective employee. The REIS could be used to answer these important questions. Practically, the REIS could be used to construct an individual's profile of EI dimensions for selection purposes. For example, several popular intelligence measures (e.g., Wechsler, 2008) deliver unique score profiles to diagnose or select respondents. In the usage of these profiles, a critical yet often overlooked precondition is the reliability of the difference scores between the dimensions (Drenth & Sijtsma, 1990). In the current studies, these reliabilities were satisfactory (e.g., ranged between 0.70 and 0.75 in study 1), which can be considered a strength for the differential prediction of EI dimensions that we aimed to capture. To conclude, the current studies have resulted in a novel and psychometrically sound instrument to measure self- and other-focused EI, which may be used in future research to build on our current understanding of EI. Hopefully, the REIS will facilitate the undertaking of further empirical research regarding the role of EI in various domains. This research is necessary to understand the specific effects of emotional processes on the lives of individuals.
