Consulting Psychology Journal, Vol 77(3), Sep 2025, 219-237; doi:10.1037/cpb0000293
We examine evidence for the validity of different measures under the label emotional intelligence (EI). Some measures are valid for the assessment of EI and others are valid for the assessment of socioemotional attributes (SEA). The constructs of EI and SEA are defined and measures of each described, along with the mental response processes the measures elicit: test-takers’ abilities, self-estimated attributes, or observer reports. Both EI and SEA measures are valid but for distinctly different purposes, and the two classes of measures make different predictions. We add our voices to those who have advocated for dropping the EI label from SEA measures to more clearly draw the distinction between the two. Being clearer about constructs and measures will enhance consulting in the workplace and other applied settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)