Mixed models of emotional intelligence: Bar-On
Another mixed model of emotional intelligence is the Bar-On model (1997a), developed by Reuven Bar-On, which comprises 15 interrelated emotional and social competencies.
These determine how we understand ourselves, relate to others and cope with daily demands and challenges.
The Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory
These competencies are grouped into five main factors and are measured by the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i). The EQ-i contains 133 items in the form of short sentences and uses a five-point Likert scale by which participants answer on a scale of ‘very seldom or not true of me’ (1) to ‘very often true of me or true of me’ (5). The results can be computed into an EQ score on each of the five factors and each of the 15 sub-factors.
The table below indicates the Bar-On EQ-i factors and sub-factors and what they assess.
| INTRAPERSONAL | Self-awareness and self-expression |
| Self-regard | To accurately perceive, understand and accept oneself. |
| Emotional self-awareness | To be aware of and understand one’s emotions. |
| Assertiveness | To effectively and constructively express one’s feelings and oneself. |
| Independence | To be self-reliant and free of emotional dependency on others. |
| Self-actualisation | To strive to achieve personal goals and actualise one’s potential. |
| INTERPERSONAL | Social awareness and interpersonal relationship |
| Empathy | To be aware of and understand how others feel. |
| Social responsibility | To identify with one’s social group and cooperate with others. |
| Interpersonal relationship | To establish mutually satisfying relationships and relate well with others. |
| STRESS MANAGEMENT | Emotional management and control |
| Stress tolerance | To effectively and constructively manage emotions. |
| Impulse control | To effectively and constructively control emotions. |
| ADAPTABILITY | Change management |
| Reality-testing | To objectively validate one’s feelings and thinking with external reality. |
| Flexibility | To adapt and adjust one’s feelings and thinking to new situations. |
| Problem-solving | To effectively solve problems of a personal and interpersonal nature. |
| GENERAL MOOD | Self-motivation |
| Optimism | To be positive and look at the brighter side of life. |
| Happiness | To feel content with oneself, others and life in general. |
Your task
Based on what you have learned about the different models of emotional intelligence, answer the following questions in the community of practice in the comments area.
What differences can you see between the three models (ability, trait and mixed)?
Which model do you think might measure emotional intelligence most effectively?
Reference
Bar-On, R., (1997a). The Bar–On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i): A test of emotional intelligence. Toronto, Canada: Multi-Health Systems.
Further reading
Bharwaney G., Bar-On, R., and MacKinlay, A. (2007) ‘EQ and the Bottom Line: Emotional Intelligence Increases Individual Occupational Performance, Leadership and Organisational Productivity’ [online] available from http://www.eiconsortium.org/pdf/Bharwaney_BarOn_MacKinlay_EQ_and_Bottom_Line.pdf [2 August 2018]
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