Opposite sign correlation between emotional intelligence and autobiographical and everyday memory

Emotion influences memory. Emotional intelligence contributes to regulate emotions in life activities, such as affective relationships, teamwork, or tolerance to frustration. A high score in emotional intelligence is usually related with high scores in other cognitive skills. Here we tested the relationship of emotional intelligence with two types of memory: autobiographical and everyday memory. Emotional intelligence was assessed through a short version of the EQ-i inventory. For memory evaluation we used Spanish adaptations of the Memory Functioning Questionnaire (MFQ), the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT), the Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ), and an historically updated version of the Past Events Questionnaire (PEQ). Regression analysis showed a positive relation among the interpersonal factor of emotional intelligence and autobiographical memory. On the contrary, the intrapersonal emotional intelligence showed a negative relation with everyday memory (memory for routines and practical aspects of everyday life). This opposite sign relationship suggests that while social interaction enhances autobiographical memories, internal introspection reduces everyday memory, likely due to motivational aspects in both cases. In addition to emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships for cognitive aspects, the results also point to a specific memory deficit (everyday memory) in people with high scores in intrapersonal intelligence as measured by EQ-i.