Four-Branch Model of Ability Emotional Intelligence With Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence: A Meta-Analysis of Relations

We meta-analytically investigated relations between the four-branch model of ability emotional intelligence (EI) with fluid (Gf) and crystallized intelligence (Gc; 352 effect sizes; n(total) = 15,333). We found that for each branch, the strength of relations with Gf and Gc were equivalent. Understanding emotions has the strongest relation with Gf/Gc combined (rho = .43, k = 81, n = 11,524), relative to facilitating thought using emotion (rho = .19, k = 51, n = 7,254), managing emotions (rho = .20, k = 74, n = 11,359), and perceiving emotion (rho = .20, k = 79, n = 9,636); for the latter, relations were also moderated by stimulus type. We conclude with implications and recommendations for the study of ability EI.