Do core self-evaluations and trait emotional intelligence predict subjective well-being in dental students?

Abstract

We examined unique associations between surface personality traits of emotional intelligence, core self-evaluations, and subjective well-being in dental students. A cross-sectional study of 218 undergraduates showed that trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) and core self-evaluations (CSE) predicted subjective well-being controlling the Big Five personality traits. Structural equation modeling showed that trait EI and the neuroticism component of CSE better predicted affective components of subjective well-being, and cognitive CSE traits (self-esteem, self-efficacy, and locus of control) better predicted life satisfaction, the cognitive component of subjective well-being. These findings demonstrate the utility of a parallel-process approach that specifies differential prediction of cognitive and affective subjective well-being components. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.