Ethnic group differences in perceived emotional intelligence within the United States and Mexico

This study investigated ethnic differences in the United States and Mexico on Perceived Emotional Intelligence (PEI). The investigation explored the hypothesis of ethnic variability in PEI by having African Americans, Latino Americans, Whites and Mexicans complete the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS) on three factors: Attention, Clarity, and Repair of emotions. A total of 519 participants volunteered to complete the TMMS. The results showed that for Attention and Clarity there were significant differences among ethnic groups with Mexicans scoring lower than African Americans, Latino Americans and Whites. However, on Repair, there were no significant differences among ethnic groups. Additionally, results indicated gender differences between women and men on Attention and Clarity. Women scored higher than men on Attention and lower than men on Clarity. These findings suggest that particular ethnic groups can have notable differences in certain domains of PEI However, researchers should be guarded in assuming that particular ethnic groups can have greater PEI, without first controlling essential socio-demographic variables. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)