This study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and styles of decision making. Two hundred and six Italian high school students completed two measures of EI, the Bar-On EI Inventory, based on a mixed model of EI, and the Mayer Salovey Caruso EI Test, based on an ability-based model of EI, in addition to the General Decision-Making Style Questionnaire. The findings suggest that both mixed model and ability-based models are related to decision-making style, but that ability-based EI does not predict decision-making style beyond the effects of the mixed model. This study reveals how varied dimensions of EI, especially self-assessment of one’s emotional skills and personal qualities, are related to decision-making style. The assessment of EI may be useful in understanding career decision-making difficulties and in identifying strategies for promoting adaptive career decision making.
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