Title: A latent profile analysis of trait emotional intelligence to identify beneficial and risk profiles in well-being and job performance: a study among Japanese eldercare nurses

Authors: Hiroyuki Toyama; Saija Mauno

Addresses: Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland ' Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland; School of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Tampere, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland

Abstract: Trait emotional intelligence (EI) is a noteworthy psychological resource in nursing. However, its effects on well-being and job performance are inconsistent. Thus, we explored the latent beneficial and risk profiles of trait EI among 461 Japanese eldercare nurses. Latent profile analysis revealed six latent profiles. In addition, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) showed that the profile with the highest overall scores on the trait EI dimensions was associated with the most beneficial outcomes (better well-being, higher job performance). In contrast, the profiles with lower overall scores on the trait EI dimensions showed negative outcomes. Moreover, a disproportional profile, characterised by higher interpersonal EI and lower situational EI, also showed poorer outcomes. The findings indicate that trait EI is associated with subjective well-being and job performance, depending both on the overall levels of trait EI and on the dimensionality of the sub-factors within the different trait EI profiles.

Keywords: trait emotional intelligence; trait EI; latent profile analysis; LPA; well-being; job performance; nurses; Japan; beneficial profiles; risk profiles; case study; nursing; MANCOVA; aging populations; care for the elderly.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2016.081841

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2016 Vol.7 No.4, pp.336 - 353

Received: 08 Jan 2016
Accepted: 10 Sep 2016
Published online: 28 Jan 2017 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article