A Meta-Analytic Investigation of the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Manipulation

Abstract

This study examines a possible dark side of emotional intelligence (EI). Specifically, a meta-analytic investigation of 5,687 participants was conducted to examine the relationship between EI and emotional manipulation. The findings revealed that self-reported ability-based EI was positively correlated to non-prosocial emotional manipulation (as measured by the Emotional Manipulation Scale), with a 0.10 effect size. Whereas, a negative relationship emerged between self-reported trait EI and non-prosocial emotional manipulation (as measured by the Worsen factor of the Managing Emotions of Others Scale [MEOS]), with a −0.16 effect size. Moreover, self-reported trait-based EI was positively correlated with prosocial emotional manipulation (as measured by the Enhance and Divert factors of the MEOS), with effect sizes of 0.40 and 0.34, respectively. Furthermore, gender had a moderating effect on the relationship between self-reported ability-based EI and non-prosocial emotional manipulation; this relationship was stronger among males than females. We discuss the implications of these findings across academic and practice settings.