Exploring subjective well-being trough gender and emotional intelligence. A mediational model (Explorando el bienestar subjetivo a través del género y la inteligencia emocional. Un modelo mediacional)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine the mediating effect of emotional intelligence between gender-typed attributes and subjective well-being. The participants were 711 Spaniards (mean age 24). The instruments used were PN-SRI-SP20 for gender-typed attributes, TMMS-24 for emotional intelligence, PANAS for positive and negative affect, and SWLS for satisfaction with life. The findings yielded the direct and indirect effects of the different subscales of emotional intelligence. Emotional clarity and repair were positively associated with subjective well-being, whereas emotional attention was negatively associated with subjective well-being. Positive dimensions of gender-typed attributes improved subjective well-being through emotional intelligence and were more important than the negative dimension. Men scored more than women in satisfaction with life, and women did in emotional intelligence (attention and repair). Programmes for increasing subjective well-being should pay attention to the gender typing and consider the relevance of the dimensions of emotional intelligence on subjective well-being.