Development and Validation of an Online Emotional Intelligence Training Program

Emotional intelligence (EI) is associated with a range of positive outcomes, and methods to increase EI are greatly needed. The present study tests the effectiveness of an online training program for increasing EI in adults. After an initial design and refinement process, 326 participants were randomly assigned to complete an EI training program or a placebo control training program. Participants in the EI training program showed increased scores pre- to post-training on standard self-report measures of EI (relative to placebo), indicating self-perceived improvements in recognizing emotions, understanding emotions, and managing the emotions of others. Participants in the EI training also showed increased scores in standard performance-based EI measures, demonstrating an increased ability to strategically use and manage emotions. Improvements to performance measures also remained significantly higher than baseline six months following the training. These results suggest that use of this novel online training program can improve EI.