The concept of emotional intelligence (EI) has frequently been conceptualised as a stable construct (i.e. an intelligence or disposition). As a theoretically distinct form of EI, we advance a measure of emotional self-efficacy (ESE), which is more dynamic and malleable than traditional EI measures. Two studies across two cultures yield a six-dimensional model of ESE. These six dimensions are shown to differ in their relationships with various outcomes. ESE is shown to predict low levels of stress and high levels of life satisfaction and coping beyond self-efficacy.