The Power of EI Competencies Over Intelligence and Individual Performance: A Task-Dependent Model.

Prior research on emotional intelligence (EI) has highlighted the use of incremental models that assume EI and general intelligence (or g) make independent contributions to performance. Questioning this assumption, we study EI's moderation power over the relationship between g and individual performance, by designing and testing a task-dependent interaction model. Reconciling divergent findings in previous studies, we propose that whenever social tasks are at stake, g has a greater effect on performance as EI increases. By contrast, in analytic tasks, a compensatory (or negative) interaction is expected, whereby at higher levels of EI, g contributes to performance at a lesser extent. Based on a behavioral approach to EI, using 360-degree assessments of EI competencies, our findings show that EI moderates the effect of g on the classroom performance of 864 MBA business executives. Whilst in analytic tasks g has a stronger effect on performance at lower levels of EI competencies, our data comes short to show a positive interaction of EI and g in affecting performance on social tasks. Contributions and implications to research and practice are discussed.

An Alternative Approach to Analyze Ipsative Data. Revisiting Experiential Learning Theory.

The ritualistic use of statistical models regardless of the type of data actually available is a common practice across disciplines which we dare to call type zero error. Statistical models involve a series of assumptions whose existence is often neglected altogether, this is specially the case with ipsative data. This paper illustrates the consequences of this ritualistic practice within Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) operationalized through its Learning Style Inventory (KLSI). We show how using a well-known methodology in other disciplines-compositional data analysis (CODA) and log ratio transformations-KLSI data can be properly analyzed. In addition, the method has theoretical implications: a third dimension of the KLSI is unveiled providing room for future research. This third dimension describes an individual's relative preference for learning by prehension rather than by transformation. Using a sample of international MBA students, we relate this dimension with another self-assessment instrument, the Philosophical Orientation Questionnaire (POQ), and with an observer-assessed instrument, the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI-U). Both show plausible statistical relationships. An intellectual operating philosophy (IOP) is linked to a preference for prehension, whereas a pragmatic operating philosophy (POP) is linked to transformation. Self-management and social awareness competencies are linked to a learning preference for transforming knowledge, whereas relationship management and cognitive competencies are more related to approaching learning by prehension.

EI competencies as a related but different characteristic than intelligence.

Amid the swarm of debate about emotional intelligence (EI) among academics are claims that cognitive intelligence, or general mental ability (g), is a stronger predictor of life and work outcomes as well as the counter claims that EI is their strongest predictor. Nested within the tempest in a teapot are scientific questions as to what the relationship is between g and EI. Using a behavioral approach to EI, we examined the relationship of a parametric measure of g as the person's GMAT scores and collected observations from others who live and work with the person as to the frequency of his or her EI behavior, as well as the person's self-assessment. The results show that EI, as seen by others, is slightly related to g, especially for males with assessment from professional relations. Further, we found that cognitive competencies are more strongly related to GMAT than EI competencies. For observations from personal relationships or self-assessment, there is no relationship between EI and GMAT. Observations from professional relations reveal a positive relationship between cognitive competencies and GMAT and EI and GMAT for males, but a negative relationship between EI and GMAT for females.

Flow dimensions on daily activities with the Spanish Version of the Flow Scale (DFS)

A sample of 250 students of psychology with an average age of 20.37 years, answered the Flow Q questionnaire indicating their favorite flow activity, and the Spanish version of the Dispositional Flow Scale (DFS). A confirmatory factor analysis assessed the DFS construct validity of the flow model on daily activities. Both a hierarchical model of eight first order factors reflecting a second order global flow factor, and a model with eight formative first order flow dimensions, showed good fit and discriminant power. Most optimal activities were found to be individual and structured, such as studying, reading and certain forms of individual sports. Leisure activities turned out to be more rewarding than studying. Sports displayed more flow, clear goals, merging of action and awareness, and autotelic experience. Reading also showed more flow, balance of challenge and skills, feedback, merging of action and awareness, and loss of self-consciousness. On the other hand, studying displayed less flow, merging of action and awareness, and autotelic experience (AU)

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Flow dimensions on daily activities with the Spanish version of the Flow Scale (DFS).

A sample of 250 students of psychology with an average age of 20.37 years, answered the Flow Q questionnaire indicating their favorite flow activity, and the Spanish version of the Dispositional Flow Scale (DFS). A confirmatory factor analysis assessed the DFS construct validity of the flow model on daily activities. Both a hierarchical model of eight first order factors reflecting a second order global flow factor, and a model with eight formative first order flow dimensions, showed good fit and discriminant power. Most optimal activities were found to be individual and structured, such as studying, reading and certain forms of individual sports. Leisure activities turned out to be more rewarding than studying. Sports displayed more flow, clear goals, merging of action and awareness, and autotelic experience. Reading also showed more flow, balance of challenge and skills, feedback, merging of action and awareness, and loss of self-consciousness. On the other hand, studying displayed less flow, merging of action and awareness, and autotelic experience.

Substance use across adolescence: do gender and age matter? / Consumo de substâncias na adolescência: o género e a idade são importantes?

Many of the choices which impact in lifetime health, such as substance use, are made in adolescence. It becomes, therefore, important to know the factors associated to these behaviours in adolescence in different contexts of life. To analyze these factors, an explanatory model was developed using structural equation modeling. Data from 12.881 state school students from Portugal who participated in two waves of the Health Behaviours in School-aged Children (HBSC) / World Health Organization (WHO) survey were analyzed. The model fits well the data [CFI: .985; NNFI: .980; RMSEA: .018 (.017-.020); SRMR: .018]. For each of the dependent factors, the levels of variance ranged from 12% (tobacco use) to 47% (alcohol and illicit drugs use). Alcohol and tobacco present the strongest associations to illicit drugs use. Relationships with family, friends, classmates, and teachers were also associated with substance use, being this association mediated by certain factors, including psychological symptoms, well-being, and school satisfaction. Several non-invariant paths were obtained in gender and age comparisons. The results showed that substance use is associated with several factors and that social factors are mediated by personal factors. Results have also shown that gender and age are important factors on substance use.(AU)

Muitas das escolhas com impacto na saúde a longo prazo, como o consumo de substâncias, são feitas na adolescência. Torna-se pois importante conhecer os fatores associados a estes comportamentos em diferentes contextos de vida. Para analisar estes fatores, foi desenvolvido um modelo explicativo através da modelação de equações estruturais. Para este estudo foram analisados dados de 12881 alunos de escolas públicas participantes em duas recolhas do estudo HBSC/OMS. O modelo apresenta uma boa adequação [CFI:.985; NNFI:.980; RMSEA:.018 (.017-.020); SRMR:.018]. Para cada um dos fatores dependentes, os níveis de variância explicada variaram entre 12% (tabaco) e 47% (álcool e drogas ilícitas). Os consumos de álcool e tabaco apresentaram as associações mais fortes com o consumo de drogas ilícitas. As relações com a família, amigos, colegas e professores estão associadas ao consumo de substâncias, sendo esta associação mediada por vários fatores, nomeadamente sintomas psicológicos, bem-estar, e satisfação com a escola. Ligações não-invariantes foram obtidas nas comparações de género e idade. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo de substâncias está associado a vários fatores, e que o impacto dos fatores sociais é mediado por fatores pessoais. Os resultados mostraram ainda que o género e a idade são fatores importantes no consumo de substâncias.(AU)

Substance use across adolescence: do gender and age matter? / Consumo de substâncias na adolescência: o género e a idade são importantes?

Many of the choices which impact in lifetime health, such as substance use, are made in adolescence. It becomes, therefore, important to know the factors associated to these behaviours in adolescence in different contexts of life. To analyze these factors, an explanatory model was developed using structural equation modeling. Data from 12.881 state school students from Portugal who participated in two waves of the Health Behaviours in School-aged Children (HBSC) / World Health Organization (WHO) survey were analyzed. The model fits well the data [CFI: .985; NNFI: .980; RMSEA: .018 (.017-.020); SRMR: .018]. For each of the dependent factors, the levels of variance ranged from 12% (tobacco use) to 47% (alcohol and illicit drugs use). Alcohol and tobacco present the strongest associations to illicit drugs use. Relationships with family, friends, classmates, and teachers were also associated with substance use, being this association mediated by certain factors, including psychological symptoms, well-being, and school satisfaction. Several non-invariant paths were obtained in gender and age comparisons. The results showed that substance use is associated with several factors and that social factors are mediated by personal factors. Results have also shown that gender and age are important factors on substance use.

Muitas das escolhas com impacto na saúde a longo prazo, como o consumo de substâncias, são feitas na adolescência. Torna-se pois importante conhecer os fatores associados a estes comportamentos em diferentes contextos de vida. Para analisar estes fatores, foi desenvolvido um modelo explicativo através da modelação de equações estruturais. Para este estudo foram analisados dados de 12881 alunos de escolas públicas participantes em duas recolhas do estudo HBSC/OMS. O modelo apresenta uma boa adequação [CFI:.985; NNFI:.980; RMSEA:.018 (.017-.020); SRMR:.018]. Para cada um dos fatores dependentes, os níveis de variância explicada variaram entre 12% (tabaco) e 47% (álcool e drogas ilícitas). Os consumos de álcool e tabaco apresentaram as associações mais fortes com o consumo de drogas ilícitas. As relações com a família, amigos, colegas e professores estão associadas ao consumo de substâncias, sendo esta associação mediada por vários fatores, nomeadamente sintomas psicológicos, bem-estar, e satisfação com a escola. Ligações não-invariantes foram obtidas nas comparações de género e idade. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo de substâncias está associado a vários fatores, e que o impacto dos fatores sociais é mediado por fatores pessoais. Os resultados mostraram ainda que o género e a idade são fatores importantes no consumo de substâncias.

Substance use in Portuguese and Spanish adolescents: highlights from differences, similarities and moderating effects.

Many behaviors with lasting health impact are initiated in adolescence. Substance use is one such behavior. To analyse the factors involved in adolescent substance use among Portuguese and Spanish boys and girls, an explanatory model was developed using structural equations modelling. The model proposes that the impact of social contexts (family, friends, classmates and teachers) on substance use (tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs) is mediated by perceptions of well-being (psychological symptoms, well-being and school satisfaction). Data on 1589 Portuguese (mean age = 13.27, SD = .59) and 4191 Spanish adolescents (mean age = 13.21; SD = .47) who took part in the HBSC/WHO survey were analysed. The model fits the data of each country (CFI > .90; RMSEA < .03) and the majority of the relationships proposed in the model have been as expected for both samples. The relations with a major effect, for both countries, were: the negative effect of family on psychological symptoms and the positive effect of family on subjective well-being; the negative effect of classmates on psychological symptoms; the positive effect of teachers on school satisfaction; the effect of psychological symptoms (negative) and school satisfaction (positive) on well-being; the negative effect of school satisfaction on tobacco and alcohol use; and the positive effect of tobacco on alcohol use, and alcohol use on cannabis. For each of the dependent factors studied (tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs), the levels of explained variance varied between 9% (for tobacco use) and 46% (for alcohol use). Some non-invariant paths were obtained in country comparisons, controlling for gender. In multivariate analyses the paths from tobacco use to cannabis and from alcohol to cannabis were significant, but much stronger for Spanish girls than Portuguese girls.

Substance use in Portuguese and Spanish adolescents: highlights from differences, similarities and moderating effects

Many behaviors with lasting health impact are initiated in adolescence. Substance use is one such behavior. To analyse the factors involved in adolescent substance use among Portuguese and Spanish boys and girls, an explanatory model was developed using structural equations modelling. The model proposes that the impact of social contexts (family, friends, classmates and teachers) on substance use (tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs) is mediated by perceptions of well-being (psychological symptoms, well-being and school satisfaction). Data on 1589 Portuguese (mean age = 13.27, SD=. 59) and 4191 Spanish adolescents (mean age= 13.21; SD =.47) who took part in the HBSC/WHO survey were analysed. The model fits the data of each country (CFI >.90; RMSEA < .03) and the majority of the relationships proposed in the model have been as expected for both samples. The relations with a major effect, for both countries, were: the negative effect of family on psychological symptoms and the positive effect of family on subjective well-being; the negative effect of classmates on psychological symptoms; the positive effect of teachers on school satisfaction; the effect of psychological symptoms (negative) and school satisfaction (positive) on well-being; the negative effect of school satisfaction on tobacco and alcohol use; and the positive effect of tobacco on alcohol use, and alcohol use on cannabis. For each of the dependent factors studied (tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs), the levels of explained variance varied between 9% (for tobacco use) and 46% (for alcohol use). Some non-invariant paths were obtained in country comparisons, controlling for gender. In multivariate analyses the paths from tobacco use to cannabis and from alcohol to cannabis were significant, but much stronger for Spanish girls than Portuguese girls (AU)

Muchos de los comportamientos que a largo plazo tendrán efectos en la salud se inician en la adolescencia, como es el caso del consumo de sustancias. Para analizar los factores que intervienen en el consumo de sustancias en chicos y chicas portugueses y españoles, se ha desarrollado un modelo explicativo utilizando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales. El modelo propone que el impacto de los contextos sociales (familia, amistades, compañeros de clase y profesorado) sobre el consumo de sustancias (tabaco, alcohol y drogas ilegales) se encuentra mediado por la percepción de bienestar (síntomas psicológicos, bienestar subjetivo y satisfacción con la escuela). Se analizaron los datos de 1589 adolescentes portugueses (edad media = 13.27; SD = .59) y 4191 adolescentes españoles (edad media = 13.21; SD = .47) que participaron en el estudio HBSC/OMS. El ajuste de los modelos a los datos de cada país (CFI > .90; RMSEA > .03) y la mayoría de las relaciones propuestas en el modelo han mostrado los resultados esperados en ambas muestras. Las relaciones con un mayor efecto para ambos países fueron las siguientes: el efecto negativo de la familia sobre los síntomas psicológicos y el efecto positivo de la familia en el bienestar subjetivo, el efecto negativo de sus compañeros de clase en los síntomas psicológicos, el efecto positivo del profesorado en la satisfacción escolar, el efecto de los síntomas psicológicos (relación negativa) y la satisfacción escolar (relación positiva) en el bienestar, el efecto negativo de la satisfacción con la escuela sobre el uso de tabaco y alcohol, la relación positiva del tabaco en el consumo de alcohol y el consumo de alcohol sobre el cannabis. Para cada uno de los factores dependientes estudiados (tabaco, alcohol y drogas ilegales) los niveles de varianza explicada oscilaron entre el 9% (para el consumo de tabaco) y el 46% (para el consumo de alcohol). Algunas relaciones se mostraron no invariantes en las comparaciones entre países, habiéndose controlando el género. En el análisis multivariado, las relaciones entre tabaco y alcohol sobre el cannabis fueron significativas en ambos países, siendo más intensas en las chicas españolas que en las chicas portuguesas (AU)

Chronic diseases, social context and adolescent health

Studies have claimed children with chronic diseases to have greater probability of behavioural and emotional problems, while others have emphasized good adaptation of most children. Protection and risk factors were identified as determinants of positive adaptation to chronic conditions, such as family and school related dimensions. This study tested the negative association between a chronic disease and positive health. A nationally representative sample of 6131 Portuguese adolescents, mean age 14, was surveyed based on a selfcompleted questionnaire. We used data from the Portuguese study of the 2002HBSC (Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children), namely the questions on chronic disease, demographics, psychological symptoms, school life related variables, substance use and life satisfaction. Preliminary multilevel analysis and Structural Equation Model were specified. Students with chronic disease reported more psychological symptoms, less global satisfaction and less positive perception of school environment. Results supported the assumption that chronic disease is negatively associated with adolescent global life satisfaction, and that this relation is moderated by gender, school grade and socioeconomic status, and mediated by variables related with the school. The data supports a recommendation for schools to develop more systematic procedures to attend students with chronic conditions.

As crianças com doença crónica têm maior probabilidade de apresentar problemas emocionais e comportamentais, embora alguns estudos apontem a sua boa adaptação. Foram identificados factores de protecção e de risco para a adaptação positiva a condições crónicas relacionados com a família e a escola.Este estudo testou a associação negativa da doença crónica à saúde positiva.Uma amostra nacionalmente representativa de 6131 adolescentes portugueses com média de idade de 14 anos foi avaliada através de um questionário auto administrado.Usámos dados do estudo português do HBSC de 2002 (Health-Behaviour in School-Aged Children), nomeadamente as questões sobredoença crónica, indicadores demográficos, sintomas psicológicos, variáveis relacionadas com a vida escolar, uso de substâncias e satisfação com a vida. Realizamos análises multivariadas, seguidas da especificação dum Modelo de Equações Estruturais. Estudantes com doença crónica relataram mais sintomas psicológicos, menor satisfação global e menos percepção positiva do ambiente escolar, confirmando a associação negativa entre a doença crónica e a satisfação global com a vida, e que esta relação é moderada pelo género, ano de escolaridade e estatuto sócio-económico, e mediada por variáveis relacionadas com a escola. Recomenda-se, pois, que as escolas desenvolvam procedimentos mais sistemáticos para apoiar os estudantes com doença crónica.

Health related behaviours: grouped risks across adolescence

Purpose: Adolescence can be associated with a tendency to engage in health damaging behaviour. The purpose of thisstudy is to test whether cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are present in this age group, and to explore possiblemoderator variables.Methods: The database of the Portuguese Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC; Currie, Hurrelmann,Settertobulte, Smith & Todd, 2000) study was used comprising a nationally representative sample of 6131 adolescents attendingthe 6th, 8th and 10th grades (M = 14 years, SD = 1.85). Students answered a self-report questionnaire concerning healthbehaviours.Results: An Exploratory Factor Analysis with Promax Rotation yielded a factor solution consisting of four types of riskbehaviours: psychological symptoms, substance use, weight inducers, and body concerns and inactivity. Younger studentsdemonstrated the least risky behaviours. Females scored highest in psychological symptoms and body concerns, whereasmales scored highest in substance abuse and weight inducers. Psychological symptoms and body concerns are higher amongoverweight and obese adolescents compared to normal weight adolescents.Conclusions: Adolescents already present a number of risk behaviours associated with CVD. This association is moderatedby gender, age and Body Mass Index (BMI). Implications are discussed(AU)

Health related behaviours: groupedrisks across adolescence

Purpose: Adolescence can be associated with a tendency to engage in health damaging behaviour. The purpose of thisstudy is to test whether cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are present in this age group, and to explore possiblemoderator variables.Methods: The database of the Portuguese Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC; Currie, Hurrelmann,Settertobulte, Smith & Todd, 2000) study was used comprising a nationally representative sample of 6131 adolescents attendingthe 6th, 8th and 10th grades (M = 14 years, SD = 1.85). Students answered a self-report questionnaire concerning healthbehaviours.Results: An Exploratory Factor Analysis with Promax Rotation yielded a factor solution consisting of four types of riskbehaviours: psychological symptoms, substance use, weight inducers, and body concerns and inactivity. Younger studentsdemonstrated the least risky behaviours. Females scored highest in psychological symptoms and body concerns, whereasmales scored highest in substance abuse and weight inducers. Psychological symptoms and body concerns are higher amongoverweight and obese adolescents compared to normal weight adolescents.Conclusions: Adolescents already present a number of risk behaviours associated with CVD. This association is moderatedby gender, age and Body Mass Index (BMI). Implications are discussed(AU)