Emotional intelligence assessment in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review of measures in Spanish

Abstract

At present there are reliable and valid measurement instruments for emotional intelligence (EI). However, most research has been conducted on adult English-speaking populations, so knowledge on the assessment of EI in childhood and adolescence in Spanish speaking countries is scarce. The present research aimed at analyzing EI measures in Spanish that are being used with children and adolescents. A systematic review of scientific literature was conducted. Ten databases were consulted, using combinations of the words emotional intelligence, childhood, adolescence, assessment and adaptation, in Spanish and in English. A total of 68 papers were included in the review. Results point to a great variety of measurement instruments used to assess EI at these stages. The adequacy of the measures regarding the parcipants' developmental stage in which the measures were used are discussed and some reflections are given in order to guide the design and choice of EI assessment tools for children and adolescents.